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Colorfilter.net | Creative Art Resources
I’m better than you because I go to design school
Posted on October 25, 2006 at 12:14 am under Tea's Musings
When it comes to the world of fandom graphics, I always find it rather interesting to read the kinds of discussions people have about what makes a good or a bad design. There’s always a dash of drama, a whole lot of trend following or bashing, and an ongoing debate on what works and what doesn’t. Then every so often, I’ll come across someone saying something like this:
Well, I know because I’m majoring in graphic design right now and…
This is then often followed by proclamations on why a particular icon or banner is good or bad, based upon their so-called expertise that’s been gained from the mere fact that they’re currently enrolled in some design classes. And every time I see yet another person using this as way of validation, I try to suppress the urge to cringe.
To me, going to a design school just tells me that you’re learning. It doesn’t make your opinion of a 100x100 graphic any more substantial than the next person’s. It certainly doesn’t make your way the “absolute” way, regardless whether the topic at hand is on a specific technique to create an effect or if it’s just a discussion on which colors would go best with which.
People don’t need design school to tell them what colors work well together. For that, all you need is a keen eye. And if you’re going to design school, then you should’ve already known that there’s no such thing as a supreme method of achieving the final result of a design.
The truth is, at the end of the day, it’s only just a school. You’ll learn plenty, but the knowledge you pick up isn’t the be all and end all of design. Don’t disregard or demean another person’s opinion just because you’ve aced a couple of classes. Express your viewpoint with your own reasons and I’ll respect you for it. You don’t need “design school” to authenticate your creativity.
And for the record, yes, I did go to a design school. It taught me a few things as schools generally do, but expertise and the right to a high horse was never one of them.
What do you think school has taught you?
Comments: 8
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Eh, school’s taught me some useful stuff about graphics, but actually, I end up using stuff I learned on the web a lot more, strangely! There was a media project focusing on the use of space, and I had already learned many of the concepts through trial-and-error with fandom works.
On the other hand, without school, my writing would be pretty bad. :)
Are you talking about the iconrants community by any chance? ;)
Either way, you’ve hit it spot on and I couldn’t agree with you more. It always gets me annoyed when some iconists lord over other people for exactly the same reasons you said. I still remember this one chick on iconrants who thought she was the queen of design because she’s majoring in graphic design AND her father is a graphic designer. How ridiculous is that? Honestly. *rolls eyes*
It’s like schoolchildren bragging about how their parents are doctors/lawyers/important people, so they should be in xxx position. *snicker* It’s silly to watch.
I’ve joined ugly_icons because I think there are some not-great icons out there, but typically we don’t “rant” or “bash”. Usually, we end up laughing. ^__^
Brighty said:
Strange or not, it’s the same for me too actually. I didn’t major in or learn anything about graphics, coding, or website building. Instead, those are things I picked up on my own and ended up doing more these days. It’s interesting, but I see more people doing things they didn’t go to school for rather than the other way around. I actually think it’s kind of rare to end up in the exact same field you majored in!
And I’ve never been to ugly_icons before. I’ll drop by later to take a look if it isn’t members only…
Gina said:
Heh, I wasn’t specifically aiming my thoughts at the iconrants community- though I’ve definitely seen it happen there as well. Actually, I think I do remember the girl you’re talking about whose father is a graphic designer. It is rather silly, as you’ve said. If we’re talking about the same person, I think she may have been banned from the community?
I just HAD to comment. *laughs first*
Seriously how does having a parent who is a designer make one an expert on design? Both my parents are architects and I do admit I have some knowledge on architecture from listening to them over the years but does that make me an architecture expert? NO !
And secondly going to design school does not make you an expert on design. Yes, you will have a better understanding of design-related things but that does not give you the right to lord over others. Before I say any further, yes I am doing design in the uni but it’s product design instead.
Thirdly, why would someone rant and rave so much over a design that they saw online? They probably will never meet the designer and the designer is probably someone else like them, another fan in the community.
Avarielwonka said:
And I’m glad for that. ;)
Yes, it does always baffle me why some people think their parents’ profession justifies anything. Like you, I do agree that you’re bound to pick up some knowledge (especially random ones) through listening to them, but it’s definitely far from making one an expert.
I don’t have a problem with people having discussions about a design they saw online. It’s something akin to a natural reaction I suppose, especially when said design provokes a strong feeling (whether it’s something spectacular or just completely hideous). What tends to annoy me is the way some people go at it…
By the way, are you enjoying product design? I was always intrigued by the kinds of stuff the product design department produced back when I was still in school. I often went out of my way just to check out their showcase. I had a friend who majored in product design, and it was always interesting to see the things he did. :)
I don’t really understand any of that it and it is annoying, plus it is the internet and people are known for lying even when you can see them. Making fandom graphics is suppose to be fun and make friends, communicate with people. I don’t understand why people would want to bring that into it. I mean if I worked on cars all, I probably wouldn’t want to make graphics of cars because I do have other interest. Maybe they just want to feel as though they are actually good at something but I suppose if you did create graphics other people would notice that you are good and actually know what you are talking about when you speak or give an opinion. Most people who are actually knowledgeable are quite humble, from my experience.
I used to get that kind of comment all the time.. not just my graphics, but my drawings as well.
Always annoyed me too. I’ve been self taught at webdesign since 95, so ive been through the ups and downs.. I’ve been a self taught portrait artist sicne grade 7.
I used to get attacked all the time cos i was self taught by scholars.. not to boast, but whos got one of the biggest fansites and autographed art now? the unknown selft taught person. ha
my dads got a 5yr degree in media & fine arts, so they can all shove it cos he hasnt gotten anywhere with that degree despite having it. so whether u have a degree or not just doesn’t matter anymore.