Interview With Chris Corneal

So after my interview, I realized that it didn't go exactly as planned, as most interviews do.  I didn't end up talking to him too much about his writing style, I focused more on the field itself because I was very interested in what he does as a freelance designer, and as a professor here at Michigan State.  He said a few things about things he has to write: he has to collaborate with his clients, which requires some communication through proposals, drafts, etc. That differs to what we do in class, or what we have discussed in class because it's not for entertainment purposes, or to be complexly written.  It's written to describe the process in which he designed the piece, or what it's supposed to convey.
As for the actual interview, here's some of what Prof. Corneal said (paraphrased):

• What's your favorite part(s) about the field (freelance design)?
• His favorite part about the field is the level of variety in his different jobs. He enjoys being able to mix it up, which keeps the job interesting because he's not doing the same thing every day.  This allows him to still have a rather high level of creative input with whatever the client wants, while still conveying whatever message they hired him to convey. 
• What's your least favorite part about the field?
• He said variety is just as much his least favorite part as it is his favorite.  Some clients fail to respect and trust his expertise, so when there's a broad window for creative freedom in a project, sometimes him and the client don't end up on the same page.  
• What did you struggle with in the field?
• He was talking about how graphic design in school was very much and individual process, so he got used to that, but when the real world came around, he had to quickly learn how to collaborate with clients and learn how to deal with different types of people.
• What does a freelance designer do exactly? 
• Most of his work consists of identity and branding projects, book covers, posters, and some web design.
• When did you know you wanted to pursue graphic design?  What triggered this decision?
• He said he has always drawn ever since he was a little kid.  He thought of it just as a hobby, then when he went into advertising in college, he wanted more creative freedom and found out there was a graphic design program he could get into.  Then it took off from there.
• Who did you look up to when you were just starting off? Did you have a certain professor or role model that really showed you that you wanted to do this?
• He said that one of the most influential designers during the time he was just beginning was David Carson.  He kind of defined "grunge typography" based on "readability vs. legibility".  
• What's a trend that's really taking off in design right now?
• With the big emphasis on technology and all of the digital graphics in the business, a lot of designers are trying to turn to hand drawn and handmade images/typography to give their work a more realistic, honest feel.
• What technologies/programs are becoming key in the field?
• Adobe Creative Suite basically has a monopoly in print work and image work for it's quality and user-friendliness.
• Do you have any words of advice for me if I decide to pursue my interest in the field?
• Take it seriously.  Some people don't look at graphic design as a serious field, but moreso as a hobby.  Come at design with a very serious, yet creative approach, then find a different hobby.  
• Do research.  See what other designers have done, and seek inspiration from what they've done.  You'll discover things you didn't even know were out there.  

This was a very helpful interview that I had with Professor Corneal.  It was interesting to talk to someone in the field and get firsthand answers about the questions I haven't found answers for through other sources.  

Interview Questions: Chris Corneal

I am doing my interview with Michigan State Graphic Design professor, Chris Corneal.  In his profile on the MSU art department's website, a little bit of background is given about Prof. Corneal.
Chris Corneal is Associate Professor of Graphic Design in the Department of Art | Art History | Design at Michigan State University. In addition to his regular teaching duties, Prof. Corneal also serves as the Faculty Advisor for Design Center and the Director of Design Internships. He received his BFA in Graphic Design from Western Kentucky University and his MFA in Graphic Design from University of Memphis.
My interview isn't going to happen until this Monday, but here are some of the questions I've prepared to talk to him about:

• What's your favorite part about the field?
• What's your least favorite part?
• As a freelance designer, what are some of the best aspects of the job and some of the worst aspects?
• What did you struggle with?
• What came easily?
• What does a freelance designer do exactly?
• When did you know you wanted to work in this field? And what triggered this decision? Talent, passion, curiosity, etc?
• Who did you look up to when you were just starting off? Did you have a certain professor or a role model that really showed you that this was what you wanted to do?
• What's a trend that's really taking off in design right now?
• What technologies/programs  are becoming key in the field?
• What do you do here at Michigan State as a professor? How did that job come about?
• Do you have any words of advice for me if I decide to pursue my interest in the field?

I'll use these as a basis for the interview, then build on them through conversation which will end up giving me answers I wasn't even searching for.  I'm also talking to him about the graphic design major itself because I want to find out more information about it so I can begin to decide whether or not to pursue graphic design.  I'm very excited for this interview!

Delivery and Style: Considered

I found a blog by the design studio, DKNG, which consists of the artistic talents and visions of Dan Kuhlken and Nathan Goldman.  The specific post I read from last June about a triptych poster set they did for the band Phish's shows in Atlantic City.  The post consisted of detailed pictures along with a description of how many were being produced, where you could purchase the posters, and then they actually posted a process video of how the poster was created through Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.  Why would they take the extra time to create a video to show their audience how they made the poster and not just keep it as a secret?  They realized that their audience obviously has an interest in what they produce, or else they wouldn't be this deep into their blog.  They want to create a connection with the audience and show them that it does take a lot of talent and an IMMENSE amount of time to complete, but then they show them that the time spent was worth it in the end by showing the final product.  I've noticed that it really says something positive about a company when they're willing to let their audience in on a few secrets.

I had trouble finding a self-written trade journal or newspaper article by a graphic designer, but I did find a book by Adrian Shuaghnessy titled "How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul."  He goes through describing himself as a designer in the first few pages in a very honest tone.  He even cites this honesty when talking about how he was inspired to begin his own design studio.  He talks about one of his influences who inspired him to "just try to be open and forthright, and it will be interesting."  He then gets into stating his audience and purpose pretty openly.  "Designers are quick to tell us about their sources of inspiration... but they are much less willing to reveal tiresome matter such as how they find clients, how much they charge and what they do when their client rejects three weeks of work and refuses to pay the bill.  If you want to learn how to be a designer, you need to know about these and other messy matters.  It's as much a part of being a designer as knowing how to kem type or design the perfect letterhead.  In fact, how you deal with the grubby bits is how you learn to be a graphic designer" (page 11). This single paragraph reveals that he's speaking to aspiring graphic designers and he's intending to inform them that the little things are just as important as the skills related to actually creating a product.  

How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul

The target audience and purpose of each is different than the other, but they both have a common theme among them: honesty.  They realize that being open to the reader will not only give them a better reputation, but it will help the reader in their future endeavors, whether it be gaining some insight into the poster making process through a process video, or learning the nitty gritty details of the little things you have to do to be successful in the graphic design industry.

Answering Questions about Design

When did graphic design become an important profession?
Late in the 19th century, when the aesthetic dimension of the mass media was separated from its production. The industrial revolution played a large role in this, because in these highly-populated cities, competition formed for companies to market their products, and a focus was put on visual aspects, forming the field of graphic design.

What is one noteworthy style of design and the era when it was prevalent?

Art Nouveau came to be in the late 1800's in an attempt to "beautify" the industrial cities in Europe. This style was used in advertisements, posters, and promotional items.  They used 'new' techniques to promote the 'new' urban life. The most recognizable features of art nouveau pieces is the flowing fonts used, and the confident women used to glorify the subject.  Elements of art nouveau were a heavy inspiration for the concert poster explosion of the 60's, and some elements are still used in advertising and design today.

What's an example of why graphic design so important?

When World War I broke out in 1914, all of the countries involved needed ways to gain support from citizens.  This is when poster production really took off, in the form of propoganda posters.  War propaganda was a huge part of the graphic design industry at this time.  A lot of artists turned their focus from decorative art nouveau pieces to straight forward messages in the form of war posters.  Propaganda,  and in general the mass spreading of messages through visual art is a reason why graphic design has been important throughout history.

Who invented graphic design?
No answer in the book, I'm guessing no certain person invented the field, it was a kind of culmination of new attitudes and creativity that formed the field.

Graphic Design: A New History
eBook