IMAGE ©TIM BOWDITCH COURTESY OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

The GraphicsRCA:50 Exhibition got me thinking. As I squeezed down memory lane at the Private View in the inevitably vain attempt to look at the work, I was struck by the retrospect view of what Graphic Design is from such a future-facing bastion of education. It left me feeling like I work in a world a million miles away from the dusty print and posters I looked back upon there. I hardly recognised my own profession, it has changed that much.

In today’s technological revolution, the Graphic Designer has never had more power. Long gone are the days when we were confined to Double Crown and 16pp. Today, the Graphic Designer is a many-headed hydra, a kind of creative mutant who knows no fear; working online, on mobile, in social media, delivering visual communication via marketing strategy, consultancy, campaign, events, PR, interiors, sustainability, new product development, copywriting, typography, sound, film and oh yeah… Graphics. The Graphic Designer has become a one-stop creative hot-shop. Jack of all trades, and master of most. Flexible in the extreme, we are central to a brand’s very way of being. A typical advertising agency splits our role into several departments. Our powers know no bounds, we can think, do and sell. So why, if we are the holy trinity all wrapped up in one, does Graphic Design risk being a slightly introverted, somewhat brooding, shrinking irrelevance?

Perhaps I surprised you with that? Honestly, if you’re a Graphic Designer, which did you do most recently; moan or get involved?

The Design community, especially the Graphic Design fraternity continues to be the glue that makes the creative industries stick. Graphistes ‘get it’. They understand that being good is about craft, excellence and sharing. It’s not just about winning, but it’s not about whining, either. Graphic Designers want to be part of a community. They love to meet like-minds. They want a platform to fight from, to inspire. So why is it that despite all this, the Graphic Designer has always had only one foot in the door?

Now is the time for us to kick that door open. 

At their worst, creative awards are semi-precious metals for the vain. At their best, they can power a community in a relentless pursuit of excellence. Graphic Design needs a champion, one that fights its corner and leads by example. I think ‘Not for Profit’ is where we’ll be most likely to find it. We need an organisation that collects the best Design work in the world, not so it can earn, but so it can share. Graphic Design wants to be at the heart of something that matters, is affordable, and adds value to what we do.

As Graphic Designers, we have the vision and ambition to re-define our own future, but first we need to find our voice. Now more than ever, the Graphic Designer is at the height of his or her powers. Graphic Design training is the main artery, pumping creativity to its final destination, be it Design, Digital or Advertising. Modern brands need to be constantly sculpted to fit their evolving audiences and Graphic Designers have all the tools. 

Graphic Designers, we need a champion, with an international platform to share from. There is so much we can, and need, to do.

If you’re a Graphic Designer today, you’re invited. We have technology on one hand, art on the other, and problem-solving in our hearts. Our abilities collide the disciplines. 

Step forward Graphic Design. Make some noise.

IMAGE ©TIM BOWDITCH COURTESY OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART