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Mark
Designer As Author 
VISC 402 Studio ︎︎︎ Project 1 |Project 2 | Project 3 | Resources | Drive 


Go Slo by Sister Corita Kent


Authoring a Perspective: Design a Manifesto
Design an expression of your point-of-view as a graphic designer or your “hot take” on design.


This project challenges you to articulate and visually express your unique point-of-view as a graphic designer. Your task is to create a manifesto — a bold declaration of your beliefs, values, and perspectives on design. Whether it’s a critique, an aspiration, or a rallying cry, your manifesto should be an authentic and thought-provoking (humor is a strategy) representation of your design ethos. Alternatively, you may select an existing manifesto from designmanifestos.org that resonates with you and reimagine it visually in a way that amplifies its message. The form your manifesto takes is up to you: print, screen-based, physical, virtual, or any combination thereof. The medium must support and amplify your message. 

The medium must support and amplify your message.

CONTEXT
Manifestos have long been a tool for artists & designers to challenge norms, provoke thought, and advocate for change. As part of this project, you will start by exploring iconic design manifestos to understand their rhetorical strategies. 

These include: (any from https://designmanifestos.org)

  • Sister Corita Kent: Ten Rules!
  • Experimental Jetset: Disrepresentation Now!
  • Henna Burney: A Manifesto for Salt (2021)
  • Ken Garland: First Things First (1964)
  • African Life-Centric Design Manifesto (2024)
  • Tibor Kalman: Fuck Committees (1998)
  • Bruce Mau: An Incomplete Manifesto for Growth (1998)
  • Alice Rawsthorne: Bad Design (2019)
  • Michael Rock: Save Yourself (2000)
  • Sister Corita Kent: Ten Rules (1966)



Project Goals

  1. Develop a clear & compelling pov about graphic design.
    Any pov. Really! 

  2. Explore form-making strategies to create a visual language that reinforces your manifesto’s message. This is your time to make in the way that you like to make.

  3. Select an appropriate medium & format to effectively disseminate your message. Must be able to make multiples! 




Schedule:
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WED JAN 22
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Inclass:
Introduce to Class/Syllabus. Assign Project 1.
Why is this class called Designer as Author?


https://ellenlupton.com/Designer-as-Producer

  • Explore designmanifestos.org to discover a wide range of design manifestos.
  • Analyze provided manifestos and/or your chosen one.
  • Brainstorm your own perspective or “hot take” on graphic design.
    Start with a broad themes, then refine into a focused idea.
  • Begin drafting your manifesto (min. 150 words) or
    annotating your chosen manifesto(read thoroughly, summarize main points, highlight and define key concepts,
    what stands out to you?, what questions do you have? Connect to other art/design makers or movements, Jot down formal ideas)

Deliverable: A written draft of your manifesto or an annotated analysis of your chosen manifesto printed out to turn in.

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MON JAN 27
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Inclass:
Individual (or group if wanted)meetings on manifesto drafts/analysis to get some feedback/questions.

Homework:
Update manifesto or analysis based on feedback.
Experiment with form-making strategies to visualize your manifesto.

  • Explore typography, color, texture & the interplay of type & image.

Deliverable: 2-3 different moodboards (printed 11x17) showcasing different visual approaches. Name each one and have a list of key words that connect to your manifesto.

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WED JAN 29
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Inclass:
Small group review/feedback of moodboards. What is making sense? What isn’t? What are you thinking in terms of different media and formats (e.g., zines, book(s), cards, sticker pack, pop-up book, comic, posters, animations, websites, installation, etc.) to find the most effective vehicle for your message? Have a chat about it!

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MON FEB 03
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TL;DR presentation (https://tldrzines.com/)

Homework:
Generate sketches/prototypes of 2-3 potential formats and form study for your manifesto. What we are interested in here is more of proof of concept. How might the text be displayed or interacted with? What will it look and feel like? What will be the experience be for the viewer/user? How will the experience reinforce your message? Paper or Digital is up to you, but be ready to present to the whole class. Paper mockups can be helpful to show scale :)

Deliverable: PDF presentation of 2-3 potential formats, inital form studies with your final moodboard as visual back-up/rationale, so we can connect the dots of what this might look like. Upload your file HERE. 

Here’s a list of what to prepare/what to Include in your presentation if you need some help organizing your thoughts:

(Re)Introduce Your Manifesto:
If you’ve written your own, summarize its core message and values. If you’ve chosen an existing manifesto, briefly explain why it resonates with you.

Provide Context:
What inspired this perspective or choice? How does it relate to the current design landscape or your personal beliefs?

Summarize Main Takeaways:
Highlight the key points you want your audience to understand.

Explain Your Design 2-3 Directions:
What potential design decisions are you considering? How do these choices reinforce your message? How can we help you decide?

Discuss Impact:
Who is your intended audience? What response or action do you hope to inspire?

Set up your format:
If possible, bring a paper prototype or create a wireframe to help illustrate your ideas. Be prepared to discuss why this format is suitable for your message and how your format supports your message.


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WED FEB 05
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Inclass:
Initial Format/Design Direction presentations & feedback

Homework:
Select final direction and design a first draft in full-scale. If shooting video, begin filming and edit a rough cut of some scenes. 

  • Refine your manifesto’s text and visuals based on class feedback.
  • In the first draft focus on developing a cohesive visual language that aligns with your message.
  • Iterate on your chosen format and visual direction and try it on for size, testing how to integrate typography, imagery, and materials in a meaningful way that expresses your intended message(s).

Print and/or render so we can interact with your first draft next class.

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MON FEB 10
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Inclass:
Review first drafts in small groups and give/receive feedback.

Homework:
Make refinements based on class discussion/comments and push components that are still question marks or unsure.

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WED FEB 12
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Inclass:
Individual meetings and worktime in lab, riso etc.

Homework:
Make refinements based feedback & print/publish Draft #2. In addition to the draft write, design and print a small half sheet that has 3-5 questions you have that you want your fellow designers to help you with.

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MON FEB 17
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Inclass:
Draft #2 reveal and show & tell. We will leave your work outside the classroom on tables for folks to interact with. 

Homework:
Make refinements based on class feedback.

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WED FEB 19
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Inclass:
Collect feedback and have individual meetings.

Homework:
Make refinements based feedback & print/publish Draft #3. 

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MON FEB 24
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Optional Class. Workday/Production Day. Individual Meetings.

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WED FEB 26
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Manifesto Due. Upload your file HERE.