the influence of color

Se Hacen Rótulos(We Paint Signs)

MEXICO08

Se Hacen Rótulos(We Paint Signs)

MEXICO08(A Typographic Collaboration)

Ian A. Victor

Mexican “Rotulistas”

(text by)

Stefan Sagmeister

John K. Victor

I could not have dreamt that Mexico would have been an ideal country to study art & design. Although, having a remarkable design professor from Mexico helps to keep the faith. The investigation of typography in this country has proved to have an extror-dinary impact on how I think about design. No matter where I went I was overwelm-ingly stimulated by a variety of colors painted on buildings, walls, restaurants, and cars. Colors so vibrant that they make you want to bathe in them. Colors that turn into a smell that are forever imbeded in your senses. Colors that could stand completely alone, strong and sturdy. This proved, to me, to have the greatest impact on this beauti-ful hand-painted typography. Not to mention the array of textures that were produced from the surfaces that these colors obsorbed. This is the design element that I found most intoxicating and would like to share this experience with you through my designs.

Throughout the development of this book, I researched Stefan Sagmeister, a comtemorary graphic designer. Stefan has influenced my work and these designs in many ways. He has taught me the importance of a direct messege and the significance of experimentation. He is very open about who he is and his experiences and how they influence his work. In addition, I had a conversation with my father, John K. Victor, who is also a graphic designer and was able to get another perspective and view about the importance and role of design in today’s society.

Having these experiences has influenced my concept of graphic design and the impact of culture within it. I wouldn’t change the experience of Mexico for the world and this culture will forever influence my design, my life, and my future.

ABSOLUTELYEVERYTHINGEVERYTHING

Look at the fi ltered

On the balance, I like the designed world of 2006 better than I would have the one in 1906, for surely better than in 1506, and absolutely preferable to 0006.

drinking straws in 3rd

world countries, the

targeted information

streams worldwide,

the elevated consciousness

of literate societies,

but also look at

the designed propaganda

campaigns,

the biased messaging

of corporate concerns,

or the design for

greed and oppression.

DO YOU BELIEVE DESIGNERS HAVE MADE THIS WORLD A LITTLE BIT OF A BETTER PLACE?

Considering absolutely everything man made is designed, and considering I rather would live now than in any historical period I could think of, I would say, yes.

(S.S.)

Of course. I believe design inspires change, good and bad. Designers have the power to persuade, teach and influence for right or for wrong.

(J.K.V.)

9900010203040506 0708

WHERE CAN DESIGN GO?WHERE DO YOU SEE IT GOING?

Considering absolutely everything human culture produces is designed, this is a fairly large question, akin to: Where is the world going?

-S.S.

Design is the only differentiator. It compels us to make decisions or feel a certain way. It is endless, infi nite. It will change with the times and merge with mediums. It will en-gage the senses and emotions to make new discoveries that we will benefi t from.

-J.K.V.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Za b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z


so tell me, my friend, whose house is it?



They will carry out the third one too,


the second guy won’t own it either,




This house is mine, and it isn’t mine

“The main reason for all this fluff is that most designers don’t believe in anything...When your conscience is so flexible, how can you do strong design?”

REFERENCES

28 May 2008 <www.hillmancurtis.com/hc_web/film_video/source/fof/sagmeister08.php>.

Ascher-Walsh, Rebecca, and Kristen Baldwin. “Stefan Sagmeister. (Cover Story).” Entertain-ment Weekly 385 (1997): 63.

Rawsthorn, Alice. “What Sagmeister Has Learned in His Life So Far.” International Her-ald Tribune 4 Feb. 2008, sec. Design: 12.

Sagmeister Inc. 15 Apr. 2008 <http://www.sagmeister.com>.

Sagmeister, Stefan. “Socket to Me.” New York Times Magazine 16 Mar. 2008: 146.

Shapiro, Ellen. “Stefan Sagmeister.” Commu-nication Arts 41 (1999): 58.

Sagmeister, Stefan . Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far. Abrams Books. 1 Feb. 2008.

“Stefan Sagmeister.” Design Museum. 2004. 03 May 2008 <http://www.designmuseum.org/design/stefan-sagmeister>.

I would like to thank first and foremost Patricia Cue for all her hard work in making this study abroad program a success, for this amazing opportunity, and for sharing with me the beauty of her home country. Secondly, I want to thank Raul Vazquez de Lara for his friendship, for making sure that everyone was having a good time, for his adventurousness, and for taking us to La Reforma. I would also like to thank my father for his enthusiasm and encouragement along with the staff of Hotel Las Iglesias, seniorita at La Espuma, Jeremey Cody, my mother for everything, the country of Mexico, and everyone else who helped make this trip unforgettable.TH

AN

K YO

U

the influence of color

Documents