2021-06-17
Emma Fitzgerald
Design Dispatch, New York
While studying "The Design Greats" can be beneficial in understanding influential designers and their contributions to the field, it's not strictly necessary for becoming a graphic designer.
The Dark Side of Design History: How Studying "The Greats" Can Stifle Creativity
As a graphic designer, you may wonder whether studying "The Design Greats" is essential to your success in the field. While it's undeniable that understanding the evolution of design can provide valuable insights and inspiration, too close an adherence to design history can have an unintended impact on your creativity and sense of self. Graphic designer and art director Shamma Buhazza knows this all too well.
For Buhazza, immersing herself in the works of renowned designers like Josef Müller-Brockmann and László Moholy-Nagy led to a stifling effect on her own creative process. "I found myself trying to emulate their style rather than finding my own voice," she recalls. This phenomenon is not unique to Buhazza; many creatives struggle with the pressure to emulate the work of others, often sacrificing their own identity in the process.
The consequences of this phenomenon can be dire. When we focus too much on designing like someone else, we risk losing sight of our own vision and values as designers. Our work becomes a carbon copy of others, rather than an original expression of our unique perspective. In order to truly excel in graphic design, it's essential to strike a balance between honoring the past and forging your own path forward.