"Those who understand the least make the most noise."
Jeffrey Zeldman (http:http://www.alistapart.com/articles/understandingwebdesign)
Upon attending the wrong Portfolio class last night I was very concerned with some words from the professor:
"We as Photographers should learn how to create websites, business cards, and learn how to do the Graphic Design thing."
"Wait just a second there, buddy. " I did not say this aloud, but was definitely thinking it. I'm a little disturbed that our instructors, the very ones qualified to train art students, ones whom students see everyday are encouraging one department to do another department's job. Why is this such a crime?
Well, let me put this into perspective. If I, as a Graphic Designer, declared myself to be a Photographer as well, then I would have some pretty big shoes to fill. Not to mention, I would be a package deal. However, I'd be a lie. I may have learned some Photography, but did not delve to deeply into the subject. That is not why I enrolled in school. I am here to be a graphic designer. So, yes I wish to acquire all the skills necessary to create my own designs and advertisements without depending on another party.
Of course it is important to be versatile as an artist. My issue is in the fact that while instructors are advising students to become distinguished and submerged in their field, behind the very same walls advising them not to become dependent on another colleagues learned skills. In summary, cancellation. Now I'm quite biased.
As Graphic Design majors we do explore basics of Photography, but only Fine Arts by election. I find it unfair, contradictory, complex and many other adjectives. In lamer terms, he basically said "Oh, you don't need those Graphic Designers. You could do their job." That's how it felt to be the only Graphic Design major in the room, like a slap in the face. I was discouraged.
I want to teach my readers a lesson.
I understand that it is necessary to explore other facets in your field, but you should never try to excommunicate the ones who know those other areas best. We need each other and should support one another. No one artist is better than another, nor is one art form better than another. No idea is yours alone.
Ah, so you accidentally went to Tom's class huh? I think I am one of the rare people who is actually getting a degree in both design and photography. I hear ya though, it does sound like a slap in the face. I still don't feel like a designer, I kind of feel like an intruder. I do like designing, but I love photography. I am designing mainly so I CAN do design for myself, but I'm going all the way. Not just one or two classes. The more I design the more I love it though and I think that web design is the most for me. :)
ReplyDeleteI understand how hearing that could be pretty discouraging. On the other hand, I also understand why the instructor gave that advice to his students. We're living in a world where we are increasingly expected to know how to do "everything." It's probably not unrealistic to expect that some businesses will hire a photographer and expect him or her to also be able to do "websites, business cards, etc." By learning to do these things they are making themselves more marketable.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that one profession should never discount the significance and contributions of another profession. If I were you, I'd just focus on being the best you can be at what you do while continuing to learn new skills as you go along. You are so very talented; I have no doubt you will be successful.