ABCDEFridays: Type-ical Inspiration

Everything around, in some shape or another influences a person's thoughts, actions, and ultimately their life. As I searched for more type inspiration I came across an image that really helped me comprehend the ultimate goal that I was trying to achieve this semester. At first glance my eyes initially read "Bad Typography is Everywhere" and then as I took a closer look at the image and truly examined it I realized right behind that very message was another that stated, "Good Typography is Invisible." I thought about that message and really pondered and slowly began to comprehend it more and more. One can usually look at something and tell if it is off balance even if they can't quite put their finger on it the visual imbalance is sensed, but when it comes to something that is done well it's not necessarily given much thought.  Really feeling as though the image related to my current situation I searched to find out who had created it and came across London based Graphic Designer Craig Ward. As soon as I saw it I knew I had found a new artist that would influence me and where I wanted to go with being successful as a designer all around.

Craig Ward works predominantly in the editorial and publishing field, it has been said that " He see's himself as a typographic illustrator; brining to life headlines, creating new typographic treatments and continuously exploring the notion of word as image." Seeking more knowledge about him I came across Ward's blog and an entry I came across was about what personally inspired him. At one point he stated "I take inspiration from everywhere and anywhere, particularly where type is doing something it isn’t meant to be. For example, a misprinted poster; peeling paint; reflections in windows; faulty signs… all these are techniques that can be used to tell a story or convey meaning. I think to really understand type you have to understand language too, so reading is vital." Some influential artists of his are David Carson, Vaughan Oliver, and Stefan Sagmeister. 

David Carson

   

Vaughan Oliver

Stefan Sagmeister

As I read more of Ward's blog I truly appreciated each entry especially when I cam across a student question that inquired about what skills were needed to make a designer successful. Ward stated "Anyone can claim to be a designer but only a few will emerge as successful, memorable designers." He then went on to state that for points of criteria he felt were needed to be successful were attention to detail, tenacity and perseverance, taste and being a nice person. Having a balance of these is what he feels will help push a designer forward in their pursuit. So moving forward I shall remember to keep these things in mind and make sure I truly use others as inspiration and not necessarily for imitation. 

Some other works of Craig Ward can be found on his website or at Words are Pictures: 

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” - B.B. King