Throughout my years in college, I have learned that one of the most important things we can do besides create is look and research. It takes seeing good design to know how to do good design, and living in Big Rapids can make that tricky sometimes. The WMGDA Exhibit at the University Center allowed us as students to see good design right here in this little town, and not only was it convenient, it was also inspiring and eye-opening.
Taking a break from the everyday schedule of working in the classroom was welcomed and needed. Not only did it allow us to refresh our brains for our next project, but it also let us look at some amazing examples that would actually apply to and inspire our next designs.
Scope Magazine
Scope was a biomedical journal published by The Upjohn Company in the 1940’s and 50’s. Each issue presented current and emerging research and advances in simple ways targeted to physicians and pharmacists. Will Burtin and Lester Beall were the creative directors of this project, and the photography, illustrations, and typography are a master class in editorial design.
I have designed two magazines and several other types of books during my time in college, and I also work at the school newspaper in production. After awhile, it begins to seem like all the layouts have been done and nothing is interesting anymore, but seeing editorial work like this really opened my mind up. These examples were so consistent, yet so completely different at the same time. Each issue had its own breakthrough to cover and its own medical advances to write on, yet they designed them in a way that is so easily digestible while still attractive and engaging.
Each issue gave me a new look into the world of editorial design, and it has made me realize that concept will drive a design to be attractive and successful. Every single cover made me stop and ponder, and every cover was equally as thought provoking as it was beautiful. This piece really inspired me to push my concepts, my typography, my graphics, and my photography and made me realize that magazines can be so, so much more than just a book in a grocery store.
French Paper
French Paper was one piece of the exhibit that I was shocked to see and wasn’t expecting to enjoy so much. They wanted to inspire designers to think creatively about paper and how it could play a more important role in design projects and although they continue to be the leader in recycled paper, they needed to differentiate themselves in the paper market.
Paper is a funny thing. It’s something that we all tend to gloss over at times (pun intended) yet plays such a huge role in our design. Personally, I have always found paper to be very interesting but never explored much or thought about the different kinds of paper we use. Ever since I bought my first nice, heavyweight paper to print my resumé and it transformed the design completely, I realized the importance of what paper designs are printed on and what papers are best for certain situations. Even working at the newspaper and seeing my work printed on newsprint every week gets me wondering how I can incorporate new textures and feelings into my projects.
The way that French Paper markets their new paper lines is revolutionary and should honestly be incorporated by more paper lines. The designs are eye catching, funny, tactile, and show off how the paper can change everything.
Additional Photos
Conclusion
Being in an environment like this with my friends and colleagues that are passionate about design as well made it an even better experience. Being able to talk and bounce ideas off each other while seeing such great design is a rare opportunity, and one that I savor. It’s also inspiring to see the seniors who put this whole exhibit together and know that we are on a path to create successful and engaging exhibits like this as well.
Overall, it was nice to have a day in the big city right here in Big Rapids. It’s one thing to see cool pieces in a book or on a screen, but actually seeing these pieces blown up to their full size right in front of you is a completely different story. I think we all appreciated the change of pace and got some amazing inspiration from these designs, and I look forward to the next exhibit coming to Ferris.