Creating my own Graphic Design Manifesto

As part of my personal research, I looked into artist and designer Claes Oldenburg and his Manifesto for art. I loved the idea of this, so decided to re-write it for my own personal Graphic Design inspiration rather than art. I believe it really gives an insight to my personal path of Graphics, but I am sure as time goes on, this will only get longer and longer as I progress more on my journey of discovery.

I Am For… my own Graphic Statement

I am for graphics that is not even noticed as you walk down the street, that you take for granted every day yet could not function without.

I am for graphics that informs, encourages, advertises and bemuses, be it showing you the path to a new job, product, hobby or lifestyle choice; it changes you.

I am for graphics that stands out from the rest when necessary, that captures the attention of everyone who comes into contact with it and sticks in their mind above the others.

I am for graphics that achieves it purpose in a unique and interesting manner, it not only does the job, but does it well.

I am for graphics that takes everyday situations and makes them exciting. Breathtaking, intricate… simple, fun… saddening, whatever it requires.

I am for a designer who is given a task to do, and exceeds every expectation and pushes every boundary.

I am for graphics that challenge attitudes in life, politics, equality and predudice, to influence and expand the minds of those who are shadowed by what we are made to believe and show them a world outside their own minds.

I am for graphics that tell us we are going to be late for the train, miss our bus or that our flight is delayed.

I am for graphics that tell us our loved ones miss us, that inform us where the nearest museum is and when the latest movies are being released.

I am for graphics that make us crave that certain chocolate bar we were supposed to be giving up for our new years resolution.

I am for graphics that excite us when choosing our summer holiday destination, and the signs that greet us as we land at our destination.

I am for graphics that expand like the smoke machine at our favourite concert stage show, smells like a new book waiting to be read.

I am for graphics that changes over time, continuing to develop, grow and explore more concepts and ideas, following and even exceeding the times.

I am for graphics that is hated by some and adored by others, that splits people down the middle but also has the capability to draw people together.

I am for graphics that REALLY could be improved. I am for graphics that makes me think ‘Damn, wish I could make something like that.’

I am for graphics that comes on a can, on a box, on a bottle, on a tin.

I am for graphics that come printed, on websites, on posters, on e-flyers.

I am for graphics that you can hold in your hand, feel, touch, see, love.

I am for graphics that you can wait up hours for, just to see the first glimpse of it.

I am for graphics from a pocket, from a friend, from a stranger, from the depths of your own mind.

I am for graphics on your skin, on your walls and even… sometimes… on your Facebook.

I am for graphics in conversation, narrowing the distance between different languages through imagery and giving the deaf the ability to hear.

I am for graphics that create nostalgia and graphics that introduces us to new things.

I am for graphics that is turned on off, that unfolds, shrinks, grows, moves; that can be played or paused.

I am for graphics that can be messy or pristine. I am for graphics that involves ink, paint, stitch, illustration, pen and photography.

I am a graphic designer, as I am for graphics that lets me express my freedom, my obscure outlook on life, create the world I live in for others to see, and help show and create pieces of graphics that really do make the world go round.

Here is a link to a website showing the original inspiration behind my re-write Manifesto, take a look, if you ' come into contact with Claes Oldenburg before- check it out!

Today is inspiring.