
Week 1 — Assignment “Influences”
[Project 0 Intro]
Discuss + Studio due Sunday (end-of-day). Comments on other people’s posts due Tuesday.
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Discuss: Listen to the 2019 podcast episode— Scratching the Surface. Interview with graphic designer, Jerome Harris.
Write your responses as a comment to this post (200 word minimum).
Use this word counter tool wordcounter.net to check how many words you have written. It should be 200.
1. How does Jerome Harris differentiate between the work of graphic designer versus a production designer?
2. What is the “machine” Harris describes and why is it important that designers learn to work that way?
3. On a personal note, what inspired you about Harris’ design work and life story?
Reply to at least two other people’s posts below on classblog. Due Tuesday. Everyone’s comments will be made visible Monday morning.
2/
Studio: Create a single image “self page” of your influences—a visual composition of element(s) that inspire/describe you. Use the dimensions (letter) 8.5 x 11 in. Respond visually to these questions:
1. Who are your influences?
2. What are your sources of inspiration?
3. What archives or collections interest you?
Upload the “self page” visual as a PDF — to your individual folder in our class drive folder. Provide a link to your project in your discussion post below.
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Links:
Jerome Harris
As, Not For
Buddy Esquire
[from Jarrett Fuller, the Scratching the Surface podcast host]—
“Jerome Harris is a designer, educator, and curator. He’s currently the design director of Housing Works and recently taught at MICA and curated the show As, Not For, a survey of African American graphic design. In this episode, Jerome and Jarrett talk about his background as a flyer designer and dancer, how thinking about design history changed his own approach, and why we need to include as wide a range of work as possible when teaching design.”
Jiyah McLaughlin
1. Jerome Harris differentiates between the work of graphic designer versus a production designer in his interview through his distinction of the conceptual ideas that relate to graphic designing over the more technical execution style of production designing. With graphic design, Harries views this role as more of a creative authorship, someone that creates and ideates these bold, visionary ideas in the process of telling stories and invoking emotions. On the other hand, when it comes to production design he views it with a more executionary approach as you are taking the graphic design work and bringing it to life essentially.
2. The “machine” that Harris describes is the system or framework that designers create to develop, edit, and refine their creative works efficiently. As it isn’t a literal machine that he is referring to, it is more of a workflow that designers follow as a way of making decisions about their creative choices. Additionally, Harris expresses how design isn’t just something that sparks out of thin air, but it is rather built upon a repeatable system so designers can continue to produce high-quality designs. This not only advances designers in his opinion, but makes them professionally disciplined as they have multiple, consistent artworks to go off of.
3. Personally, one thing that I admired about listening to this podcast was Jerome’s mission for advocacy and making sure that his conceptualized ideas were heard and seen in his work. As an African American woman myself, advocacy is so important and what better way to do it through designing with a creative mind. By being in college, I have learned how powerful a voice can be through art and how expressive people can showcase ideas that invoke such emotion. I love that Harris lives to make a difference in the world and it spoke through his actions and things he wanted to achieve in life.
Hi Jiyah, I also admired how Jerome wanted his ideas to be seen in his work! I liked how he wasn’t worried about what other people thought and that he used his voice to express and push out his creative ideas. He didn’t let the words of others influence or sway him to create in a way that he didn’t wan to, and I found that very inspiring.
Hey jiyah, I loved your answer for the second question with it being the workflow of a designer. The way he describes it to makes it feel like of more when youre in the zone the way he describes information being “pumped”.
Harris speaks about his experience teaching and how students would often just recreate work that they thought looked good, like well known brands. He describes this as the work of a production designer, simply replicating good ideas, but as he discusses, graphic designers study how to integrate design concepts into many new original works.
The machine that Harris discusses in this podcast is the idea that a designer must create a mental system to process their concepts through in order to create a variety of artwork. I feel that this machine is important because it allows designers to use their understanding of concepts to create consistently novel works in a large quantity in order to be able to edit and choose from what they’ve created to refine their body of works.
One part of Harris’s story that inspired me was how he talked about his nontraditional path to his current success. He discusses how he was rejected from a graphic design program in the past, and instead of giving up on design, he switched focus and realized he didn’t want to sell his art to people. He began making work on his own and moving forward in dancing continuing to nurture his passion, which I find very inspirational. As someone who has had a nontraditional experience with education, I appreciate him sharing his story. Additionally, his inclusion of culture and personal style within his designs is very beautiful and speaks to his perseverance and skill within his craft
Hi Madison, i also appreciated the indebtedness he went into to describe his study of graphic design with it showing how he deals with the technical process. i’m also always interested by people who go back down paths the’ve previously denied and not stopping just because “they weren’t good enough.
Hi Madison,
I also really appreciated how he shared his story about his nontraditional experience with education! I am in the same boat both with you and him, and it’s really comforting to hear about others with these experiences. The way you phrased what Harris meant by a machine was incredibly well captured. It really helps to explain to me what he meant by the metaphor, as I had a bit of a difficult time grasping exactly what he meant!
Harris explains that production design is more centered towards designing in a way that makes the products look good, rather than focusing on the functionality as well as the look. Harris also explains that graphic design is a part of the process of learning what works for the product or outcome, and what doesn’t work. Being able to come up with those ideas and think creatively when designing a product is the work of a graphic designer rather than a product designer.
The “machine” Harris refers to is the entirety of the process of graphic design. Every aspect learned, whether it be through education or experience, is a part of the “machine.” Using the tools and procedures for designing and creating quality design work is the utilization of the “machine.”
What inspired me is Harris’ ambition towards his career. He started out attending a program that was different than what he thought and eventually worked his way to his dream job. His story is inspiring because even though he went through obstacles and strayed to a different career path, he pushed himself to finish his degree in graphic design. I hope that my ambition will carry me the same way Harris’ did throughout his life.
link to my self page: https://uncg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/r_riley_uncg_edu/EccbNcq2cjNJvf0iVZpJxlUBLqfOejnp2LXzWrwVIDihHQ?e=YBm3VY
Hey,
I also find inspiration of the obstacles he went through. plus, how he would influence his students going through the same challenges
Agreed, I never really thought about it at the time, but it is extremely impressive how Harris was determined enough to stick to his unique instincts as an artist!
Hi Kaelyn,
I agree with you on how inspiring Harris’ story was. I aspire to be that ambitious throughout all stages of life. When I first began the podcast episode, I though Harris would be much younger, but I came to find out that he was at least around 40 since he was in college in the very early 2000’s. His timeline brings me hope because although I tend to feel behind at times and like I am not on the right path, no matter what direction we go in, we find ourselves one step closer to finding where we want to be.
Here is a direct link to my project: file:///C:/Users/there/Downloads/Untitled_Artwork-1.pdf
This is a link to the project on our class onedrive: https://uncg-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/r_riley_uncg_edu/EjB4FLixKg9GihrQJWlYJQsBfV3rzWcYRvgzi_EIU-yIag?e=gHxEKR
Thank you!
Jerome Harris differentiates between the work of a graphic designer and a production designer by discussing the work he has seen from students. Harris says that he sees work from students that is very clean and nice looking visually, but it is lacking originality. He talks about how in his graphic design classes he pushes students harder than they are used to being pushed to help find work that is, to his students, important, meaningful, and original. Harris also describes that he has his students use “the machine”. The machine is a way of conceptual thinking. He talks about how it is important to make a bunch of things, learn about how to edit them, and then his students really beginning to understand what works and what doesn’t work, and for what isn’t working, how how to change them so they work better. Personally, I was inspired by Harris’ story because I have also felt rejected with my art in a school type setting before. I like that he talks about how just because something isn’t considered art in a school setting, doesn’t mean it won’t be successful in an out of school setting. I also appreciate the way he teaches and pushes his students to be original and to find new ways of old thinking.
Hi Cam, I like the way you described the “machine” that Jerome mentions in the podcast. I had a similar thought in my post as well. In graphic design, you often have to go through a lot of trial and error. Being able to go back to the drawing board, change your original ideas and plans, and grow from them is very important.
Hi Cam,
I agree with your and Harris’ point that although some art may not be considered art in a school setting, it doesn’t mean the piece won’t be successful in another setting. Feeling like your art is overlooked is a horrible feeling and everyone deserves to feel welcomed and seen. I love that Harris dedicates his career to helping young people especially people of color, feel secure in their art style and gain the skill set to work any project.
Hi Cam!
I hope all is well! I really enjoyed reading your take on this podcast and how you related it to Harris and his students. This is a very interesting idea that I never thought of relating to the differentiation of graphic design and production design. I definitely agree with the “machine” being more of a conceptual thinking idea. It refers to people being capable of doing many things, but having to understand their flow in terms of what works for them. It is also great to relate it back to your personal takes and how you believe Harris has influenced and inspired your creative mind of thinking as you’ve battled similar experiences. Thank you for being vulnerable enough to share that information! I look forward to reading more posts from you!
Hi everyone! My name is Luna (they/she) and I look forward to learning with each of you this semester.
Based on the interview, my understanding is that a production designer is someone who refines an idea and delivers a product, whereas a graphic designer is someone who generates, develops, and executes a variety of visual concepts. Graphic designers usually create something from the ground-up, while a production designer does more quality control.
In his educational career, Harris teaches his students to “think systematically: make a machine, and pump your content through it and see what happens on the other end.” The machine Harris is referring to is likely a creative thought process curated to the individual that exists to aid in this role of executing visual concepts. Having a generative process allows you to pick from a broader range of designs to pick from, increasing creativity and reducing attachment to any one design decision.
This being said, there’s one thing about Harris that I find particularly striking. I really admire how he balances a love and veneration for his craft with a laid-back attitude; he takes his art seriously, but not himself. I aspire to be like that. I want to use my artfulness to help others, but I also want to remain soft and kind in a world that wishes to beat that out of me. I hope you can see this in my piece “DEFACEMENT,” which I’ve attached a link to below.
https://uncg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/r_riley_uncg_edu/EUJsBXD4nhRDkjzeG9X0EBEBAi-Z5Sj7Q5nPmT0lgLI6qA?e=btlNBL
Same ,I think Harris has an interesting balance of love for his craft, and partly his speech made me realize how easy and entertaining it is to make a great art piece when you care deeply subject matter! Definitely a mentality I want keep with me in the future!
From hearing the podcast, I can somewhat understand that a graphic designer is someone who starts from scratch, thinking of multiple creative concepts to choose from, while a production designer is someone who turns ideas into a more refined final piece, giving the ideas a more intriguing visual. During Harris’s interview, he mentions “how to think systematically make a machine and then pump your content through it and see what happens on the other end.” To me, having a creative thinking process can give you an upper hand with having so many ideas that can come into your head, which allows you to increase your creativity. Something about Harris’s story that I respect in particular. I love his whole life experience in doing the two things he genuinely has a passion for: designing and choreography. His mindset is so laid back. It sometimes makes me think about myself, being known as a “jack of all trades,” being able to have so many skills, but can be no expert at any of those skills. It’s just that I like how he manages to do two things, inspiring me to try to work on photography and graphic design as my main career to its full potential. I want to make my artistic career fun with a more relaxed vibe the same way he has. Hopefully that comes across in my piece that i have linked below. https://uncg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/r_riley_uncg_edu/Ean5vXdNQO9GpQxyNy8rqAoBJhC0L7RJ6OXaKzDLLNovvA?e=p3x2br
Hi Ivan!
I really relate to you admonishing the speaker’s laid back attitude and easy-going approach to life. Prioritizing fun is definitely a core value of mine, and I strive to carry this across in my work. Personally, I feel as though it’s easy to tell when a work was made with resentment or reluctance. I look forward to seeing your piece tomorrow morning.
Jerome Harris describes the work of a production designer as looking at a piece from either online or in a physical format for inspiration and “copying” it. There may be visual differences to the work that you have made from a work that you are looking at as a starting point or reference, but it essentially starts to look like a redesign of another person’s work. The work of a graphic designer is work that you imagine and work up from your head; you can take maybe a bit of inspiration from it, but it doesn’t look like a copy in the end. It’s a new piece of work generated from your brain.
Throughout the podcast, Harris describes a “machine” that the students should be using while they create their works. This machine that he is describing is a way of thinking outside the box and pushing the artists to drive their art/ pieces in a different way than they may not have thought about. You go through different designs and pieces all the time, and you may have to workshop it, or someone might tell you to add or take away something. This is important because it pushes artists ot think of different ways to wire or rework something without getting discouraged.
Something that inspires me about Harris’ way of working is that at the beginning of the podcast, he states that he went through a bunch of hardships during his time in graphic design classes, where instructors wouldn’t understand how he was thinking or that they would want him to act/ speak in a different way. Harris also didn’t have the art background that most of the people in his school did, and it made him stand out. This didn’t discourage him however, he kept working as a graphic designer and pushed himself to express himself in the way he wanted to, not how other people may have perceived him.
Link to self image: https://uncg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/personal/r_riley_uncg_edu/Documents/_Rachele%20Riley/teaching/F%202025/ART%20341/Leah%20Simmons/Week%201/Keys%27%20Corner%20(Self%20Image).pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=w1RcHQ
Hey Leah, I like your inspiration from Harris. The way he stayed true to himself even when it wasn’t accepted right away, it just shows how important it is to be genuine in the creative space.
Jerome Harris differentiates between the work of a graphic designer and a production designer by the creativity used to create the designs. Production designers pull from other predesigned works of media and art to recreate and redesign them. Graphic design is originally designed based on the specific artists conceptualization of the work.
The machine he describes is learning how to think systematically, make a machine and then pump your content through it and see what happens on the other end. He says it’s so important to learn how to work that way because it pushes you way harder than in any job you’ll ever have, and it will prepare you to be generative and have a bunch of things to choose from when you run out of options on a project.
Harris’s design work and life story inspired me in many ways. The first being, his dedication to sharing rich artistry full of culture, personality, and love. Following this, advocating for people of color in this field is a high priority for me in every aspect of my life but after listening to Jerome’s testimony about teaching kids of color and their experience of silencing and watering down of their artistic styles, I have a new appreciation for transparency and removal of biases in this field. One thing I related to Harris on, was his uncertainty in the beginning of his college career when applying to programs and finding jobs. I have also wondered if the art I have created is enough to be accepted into certain art spaces and it’s so refreshing to hear Jerome say that he had some of the same issues. Theres something so beautiful about grounding yourself in the idea that you are in the right place at the right time and that everything will work out, and I feel a lot less in a hurry after listening to Harris’s talk.
Jerome Harris eludicates that the work of a graphic designer is more creative, or liberating. In a way of more freedom and expressions rather then focused to center around one thing and limit creativity as he alludes when talking about his students in a faculty meeting. He explains that graphic design should allow for identity and not be so “corporate.” Harris points out that graphic design plays a role in figuring out what works for the product, and what does not. The understanding to generate ideas and think uniquely while creating is more in line of a graphic designer, not a production designer. The “machine” is a way for graphic designers to learn how to think systemically and work through the process of creating and experimenting. Its important for designers to work this way because it allows us to be more creative, generative and experienced. We can think for ourselves and learn what fits and what doesnt. What inspired me throughout Harris’ life was his upbringing and goal for graphic design, from applying to an art school and getting told what he does is “not graphic design” then later becoming a grad student at Yale. He faced obsticals and perseveired to get to where he is now. Its very inspiring because sometime I feel that I can relate to him and seeing that he got through it really motivates me.
Hi Jayden! The way you explained what the “machine” is was a really great answer. The machine is a process that graphic designers can utilize to easily come up with ideas, like you said, it helps us become more generative and creative. Generative is a great word to use rather than just being creative because it assumes that graphic design uses a systematic/logical way of creating. I think that this explains what graphic design is perfectly.
self page collage
https://uncg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/r_riley_uncg_edu/EYqjnXxmJyVMn5TgtPeEo94BJCInmmHfzRTDMX3HDAkMog?e=Yy0UZz
1. Harris uses the term “production design” to refer to graphic design “without personality” so to speak. To combat this, he wanted his students to make work that meant something to them, work that was experimental. He wanted to give them a chance to explore designs that weren’t necessarily to be made for a cooperate setting for once students entered the work force. He knew this switch would happen naturally, but wanted to foster uniqueness that would later inspire and inform their designs as they moved on.
2. The machine that Harris describes refers to a development of conceptual thinking, systematically creating a generative process that makes a lot of conceptual ideas.hen you stick with one idea all the way through, you’ll hit bumps in the road that may interfere with your original design, and though this will happen with other ideas you may have too, you’ll have much more to work from and ideate with with this “machine”.
3. The traditional pathway (or often desired pathway) for many, is to go to school, get a degree in a field you can hopefully enjoy, and work in that field until you retire. I think a lot of people get stuck in the idea that anything apart from this is wrong, or that you’re lost. I really respect the varied pathway that Harris took, blending aspects like professional dance and design as he worked.
Collage link: https://uncg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/r_riley_uncg_edu/EXJNsMBfDddLpKXWoESEIuABGA9ihnbpWR-kt46YYrk3Zg?e=oZEqaV
Hi Kiersten! I love how you mentioned Harris’ journey through his career because I agree that people often think that you’re supposed to follow the exact same path for a job and not stray from that path whatsoever. When in reality, it’s more realistic to have a pathway that has obstacles and even deferrals at some point. Harris’ journey is really inspiring because he managed to get what he wanted and stay authentic while doing so.
Jerome Harris implied the difference between a product designer and a graphic designer is that a product design closely follows a strict set of guidelines and templates creating multiple works that feel the same. While a graphic designer shows their personality, background, and personal experiences in their created compositions.
Jerome Harris said the machine is creating a system of thinking that allows you to quickly generate or adjust ideas used to create projects. The thinking behind this was, for graphic designers. If you’re working under a company, especially a large one, there will likely be a lot of ideas that will be discarded and you’ll have to think about a bunch of ideas so you’ll have moe options to work from if one doesn’t work.
I’m extremely interested in the thought process Jerome Harris uses to create graphic designs. Specifically how he tries to work feels like something that he is more familiar with hence how he felt better when using his identity and past experiences, rather than sticking to modernists guidelines which felt too static to him. Personally I feel like this method rather than sticking to strict guidelines is a more charming approach and can fight against the burnout that creating can bring. Which can in turn give you the motivation to create that machine of ideas.
Hey Darius, nice inspiration, I agree with your response about Harris’s approach. Letting your personality background change your work, not only makes the design more meaningful, but can also help fight a creative burnout.
Hi Darius!
I really like how you pointed out Harris’ emphasis on drawing inspiration from his life and experiences which really helped him to create meaningful work. Being able to connect with others through lived experiences can be so rewarding not only for you as a creator but also for building community.
Hi Darius, I couldn’t help but admire that Jerome strives to keep his identity even through the challenges he has had to face and overcome. He is an inspiration for many young adults who dream to become more resilient or wish to build resilience in such a competive world and field. A world that limits creativity and freedom of expression.
https://uncg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/personal/r_riley_uncg_edu/Documents/_Rachele%20Riley/teaching/F%202025/ART%20341/Darius%20Pettiway/Week%201/Pettiway_SelfPage.pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=QRfyDk
https://uncg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/personal/r_riley_uncg_edu/Documents/_Rachele%20Riley/teaching/F%202025/ART%20341/Allison%20Rhyne/Week%201/Week%201%20Art341.pdf.pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=KBBhaI
Jerome Harris differentiates between the work of graphic designer vs a product designer is that a product been designers work is more of redesigned work that has already been published and graphic design is more of thinking conceptually and coming up with different ideas and making them come to life.
The machine Jerome is referring to is either their computers or the software that’s being used. I feel like its either of those because he speaks about his student using trial and error and going back and being able to change what they’ve had.
Something that inspired me about Jerome Harris is that he’s very passionate about his works and teachings. I also like that he is very outspoken about things that aren’t right. It was nice to know that his students felt comfortable being able to go to him about feedback because they didn’t feel like they were getting enough from other teachers or professors. It’s also cool to hear that he started with making party flyers. I feel like that could be very relatable for some people because being in college and there being a lot of parties that happen that’s most likely something that some other students start out with and have improved or moved on from.
Hi Aaliyah!
I hope all is well. I enjoyed reading your take on the podcast! I agree with the concept of graphic designing being more conceptual and production design being more of a redesign/rework of an already done and published work. Additionally, I think your take on the “machine” is pretty interesting as I never thought of it as the computers or software. The idea of trial and error of technology in general is a unique concept that I hadn’t thought of before. I do agree with the idea of Jerome being a big supporter for advocacy and how that looks for the world but also in art. He strives to create meaningful, yet impactful pieces that challenge the ideals of art. Great analysis, I look forward to reading more!
Hi Aliayah, I like the way you simplified the idea of the “Machine” Jerome was referring to as a way of trial and error for students. A way for exploration but also growth for students. His system is definitely something I will be following through my learning and understanding of graphic design.
1. How does Jerome Harris differentiate between the work of a graphic designer versus a production designer?
– Jerome Harris differentiates between the work of a graphic designer and a production designer by emphasizing originality and conceptual thinking versus imitation and execution. Graphic designers are expected to think critically, develop ideas and create work that expresses identity and meaning, whereas production designers follow trends and copy existing designs without any conceptual development.
2. What is the “machine” Harris describes, and why is it important that designers learn to work that way?
– The “machine” that Jerome Harris describes is a systematic design process that helps students build and refine their work. In this process, you’re supposed to develop ideas, create a method of producing work, create a large volume of possibilities, and then select the strongest end results. This approach is important because it prepares designers to handle real-world challenges where they must produce creative and meaningful work under various constraints.
3. On a personal note, what inspired you about Harris’ design work and life story?
– What inspired me about Jerome Harris’ design work and life story is his commitment to pushing beyond the surface and encouraging students to think conceptually. He challenges traditional design education, urging students to create systems and to experiment rather than imitate trends.
Link to Self Page: https://uncg-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/r/personal/r_riley_uncg_edu/Documents/_Rachele%20Riley/teaching/F%202025/ART%20341/Reece%20Pearman/figuremeout.png?csf=1&web=1&e=bWZKTf
Hi Reece,
Great job on this response! I think you really understand where Harris was coming from, and you seem to really appreciate his message of conceptual thinking. I also think that it’s much more impactful to provide a thoughtful, interesting, and original concept than to regurgitate a trend based on analytics. I’m excited to see your piece tomorrow!
Hi Reece, I also was inspired by Jerome Harris being encouraging to his students and pushing them to think outside the box. Nowadays we need teachers/professors to be encouraging and helpful in those ways so that we can take that with us as we go up in life.
1. Jerome Harris does not explicitly differentiate these roles in the following episode but i believe shows us how he has chosen his own path and continues to do so, this could be how he went from designing club flyers to curatorial and educational works. He does not seem to draw a line between “production” and “graphic design.
2. The Time Machine he explains, it as being a form a way of integrating activism, curation and history as well as design he discusses not just aesthetics but the importance pf power of social impact and the story, the narratives, Jerome speaks in down to earth, way he is pushing his audience to y understand him as just a human being who to, went through live in exploration, in under the scrutiny of professors, of the public eye in general, I also believe his metaphor of the “Machine” could be, being authentic in your passion challenging and casting out self doubt of ones skills.
3. I What truly fascinated me about Jerome was not just his skills, but his humility his willingness to keep learning to teach himself and to build technical knowledge to work with various design software. In the podcast, he also shares the challenges of being an African American male in the field, how his quirks that had visually be represented in his work was seen as unusual or outside the norm. Rather than limiting his expressiveness as he was encouraged to do, he observed and chose to move in the opposite direction, releasing the pressures of expectation within the design world. His openness and vulnerability stood out to me: the way he remained humble, honest and unwilling to compartmentalize his own identity to be placed and to fit into what instructors or the industry wanted.
Assignment Correction: Please ignore my previous response
1. Jerome Harris differentiates between a graphic designer and a production designer, noting that production designers manage the technicalities ensuring aspects to ensure work meets industry standards. While important, this role can feel limiting compared to that of a graphic designer, who often chooses to go against these constraints for Harris, the work of a graphic designer expresses the core of who they are reflecting their personal values, important causes or broader creative interests
2. Jerome describes the machine as a design system that that aids students through a process of tuning and critiquing their personal work. Creating work that pushes out all ideas and inspirations they may have toward their work while then following the strongest idea. He voices the importance of structure that isn’t too loose or too limiting for the graphic designer to follow, that both allows them to fully explore the extent of their creativity while also having their own system to turn to under the pressure of a very competitive industry.
3.
I What truly fascinated me about Jerome was not just his skills, but his humility his willingness to keep learning to teach himself and to build technical knowledge to work with various design software. In the podcast, he also shares the challenges of being an African American male in the field, how his quirks that had visually be represented in his work was seen as unusual or outside the norm. Rather than limiting his expressiveness as he was encouraged to do, he observed and chose to move in the opposite direction, releasing the pressures of expectation within the design world. His openness and vulnerability stood out to me: the way he remained humble, honest and unwilling to compartmentalize his own identity to be placed and to fit into what instructors or the industry wanted.
hey,
I agree with your first statement on how it reflects their values and interest.
Hello Ausariah, I hope you are well, I enjoyed reading your post this week! I really enjoyed how you discussed Harris’s conversation regarding his own personal journey. Your connection between Harris’s focus on personal passion and the concept of the “machine” in design is a really interesting way to view his perspective on personal work. Thank you for your response!
Hi Ausariah, I do think it was really interesting and encouraging to hear how he didn’t let other people limit or shut down how expressive he was. It’s always very inspiring to see someone who will continue to uphold their values and morals even when others try to restrict them.
The way that Harris differentiates between a production designer and a graphic designer is the actual work that they do. He explains that the production designer essentially will simply copy a work, and he uses the Chobani logo as an example. The production designer will see that, and figure out to make an exact copy. There is minimal thinking involved. A graphic designer’s purpose is to create. There is more thought put behind the graphic designer’s work. So perhaps, in a sense, the graphic designer’s work comes before the production designer’s.
From what I could distinguish, it seemed that the ‘machine’ Harris was referring to was the brain and the ability to actually create and generate solutions while working on designs. When a designer can keep pumping out new ideas and new fixes to a design they’re working on, it gives them a lot more options to pick from. This gives them an easier time providing the client with what they were looking for. It also helps to continue to keep the creative spark going when a person has to think so heavily and conceptually about so many different possibilities and outcomes for their designs.
I do think it was pretty fascinating to hear about Harris’s experience. His desire to continue to try to imbue his works with his culture and heritage and to get his students from all kinds of backgrounds to do the same is inspirational as well. I think many students would feel encouraged and safe around him. I also think it’s very admirable that he is outspoken about his opinions and his values. I would love to learn to be as steadfast when confronted like him.
And here is the link to my pdf!
https://uncg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/r_riley_uncg_edu/EaHVQBRA2lRKpGh8QciBVgsBKf5uiiFhN2PMs14VFnzxIQ?e=hIuDU0
Hi Karin!
I agree with your thoughts on Harris’ machine concept. Being able to generate a large variety of ideas can not only help in the success of a project you may have, but also can really help inspire you going forward.
Hello Karin, I hope you are doing well, I think your response to our discussion this week was very insightful. I also think your interpretation as the “machine” that Harris speaks about as the ability to generate new solutions. I think that is a really great way to understand what our artist of interest was saying during his interview. Thank you for your response!
Hi Karin ! I also enjoyed knowing that he’s outspoken about things that other people might be nervous to speak about. I love how he inspires his students as well hopefully it will take them a long way.
Jerome differentiates the work between a graphic designer and production designer by going over how he felt doing the two different things. During graphic he’d been used to doing it and started when he was young with making flyers for his mothers events. He also really enjoyed the technical aspect of graphic design with going through all the programs.. And going into dancing he enjoyed the community built in it as people were bonding through dance and that it was very inclusive to different groups. The way harris refers to the mord machine makes me think he’s referring to his artwork or project in a sense. Its said in the podcast from him that you should try thinking like a system dumping information so like a computer into a machine being anything you are making in the technological sense could be a robot in this analogy. With the way he talked about doing different things at the same time like one being a profession the other being for pure enjoyment and getting activity from it. For me it used to be school and basketball because i played for a church with nothing to do with any school i went to so it was like having a side community. And school being purely for finding a profession that i want to be in.
https://uncg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/r_riley_uncg_edu/EWWUAYnoA-1MuS86QC2HOg0BTwvYVWbYLXN1_Z_9MCtzTA?email=ANCARVER%40uncg.edu&e=D4mPjA
When Jerome Harris compares graphic designer vs producers, they’re referring to the purposes and authenticity of the two. Graphic design is more of –originality– while product designers are more of replication and copy. Product design is more restricted, mostly following whats appealing or trendy. Graphic design is more experimental, having their own style. When they’re talking about the machine, they’re referring to the production of content. To start the machine is to produce a bunch of work and keep doing it until there’s are pieces that are accept.Usually focus on trial and error along with adjustments. It’s beneficial for designers because it creates more options to work off and possibly reshape.Being a designer, one main work could be throw aside by reviewer, directors or senior designers, so its important to not only have multiple work but to rework them.
I personally like his story because of his journey and hustle of the design work. He talk about the challenges and building his understanding of design.Then, he goes through how he tries to help his students build their understanding. He also talks about being a black designer and how isolating it was with the limited amount of black people related in the field.
When Jerome Harris compares graphic designer vs producers, they’re referring to the purposes and authenticity of the two. Graphic design is more of –originality– while product designers are more of replication and copy. Product design is more restricted, mostly following whats appealing or trendy. Graphic design is more experimental, having their own style.
When they’re talking about the machine, they’re referring to the production of content. To start the machine is to produce a bunch of work and keep doing it until there’s are pieces that are accept.Usually focus on trial and error along with adjustments. It’s beneficial for designers because it creates more options to work off and possibly reshape.Being a designer, one main work could be throw aside by reviewer, directors or senior designers, so its important to not only have multiple work but to rework them.
I personally like his story because of his journey and hustle of the design work. He talk about the challenges and building his understanding of design.Then, he goes through how he tries to help his students build their understanding. He also talks about being a black designer and how isolating it was with the limited amount of black people related in the field.