‘Design is like life: It is an on-going process of development & discovery’
Thomas Vasquez
As an educator of what is considered to be a creative field, I hope to inculcate in my students an intrigue and excitement for the field they are in. Graphic Design is an ever-evolving field with no dearth of stimulus; it is exciting, its is happening and invigorating, and I want my students to experience all of that; get excited about and inspired by daily life.
Design goes beyond painting and creating pretty pictures. It is more than just a visual activity. Design is not about fashion, or style or making something ‘look nice’. I would like to make my students understand the true meaning of ‘good design’. Every design student should be aware that design is not just about solving problems but also about finding that ‘wicked’ problem and hence the importance of research. Experiences teach us and show us, how activities in the name of art and design have shaped or warped the society we live in, whether it is design used in the field of Advertising and Media or in Journalism or any other arena. Bearing in mind that there can be no design without true empathy, is a guiding principle. Designers have to make things look good, they should know how to use the elements and principles to their benefit, but they also need to study and understand history, politics, culture, the times they are living in, the context in which they operate and much more. At the end of the day design is for the people and relevance is key.
Then there is that concern over dependence and/or over-dependence on technology. I will not undermine the importance of being computer savvy and astute in the use of technology. But the fine line between ‘use’ and ‘abuse’ needs to be understood. On the aesthetic front, design is about training the eye, it is about being able to understand the nuances, and the process, being aware of the underlying principles and theories, but above all its about having a questioning mind, and problem-solving and problem-defining abilities. Design is a mind-set; it is an attitude, a way of thinking.
I love teaching design; skills and thinking both, at the post-secondary level. This is due to multiple reasons; the energy of the field of design and the higher education environment, both give me an adrenaline rush. I am passionate about my work. My aim is to always instill in the students the excitement and thrill of being a part of this field. Furthermore, being a part of a learning environment, keeps you a learner all your life. The more I teach, the more I learn. Each day is a new exploration, a new discovery. And the possibilities are endless.
LINK TO COURSE BOOKS LINK TO RESEARCH PAPERS