Date of Award
Spring 6-2-2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Department
Graphic Design
First Advisor
Hammet Nurosi
Second Advisor
Tom Wedell
Third Advisor
Cem Eskinazi
Abstract
This thesis positions graphic design as an integral form of public works.
T his is public work regards the causal relationship between graphic design and its publics as an opportunity to explore the formal maneuvers to enhance an artifact's visual codes. The idea is an experiential one: rich and meaningful form can lead to rich and meaningful experiences.
The designed artifacts of our world function across informational (effect) and emotional (affect) modes. The complexity of these operations take on an infrastructural role — what we see day-to-day shapes our experiences and understanding. The opportunity of a designer to practice in a manner responsible to their publics is to see the task beyond yielding a service. By creating artifacts that participate in culture, designers have the ability to affect public life.
My practice is an effort to formally unite the ideas of affect and effect into a singular expression: æffect — the way a thing feels is how it works. My thesis focuses on the nuances of letterforms and graphic form. This was an intentional effort to sharpen my craft and attention to detail as a way to engage meaningful æffect uniting concept, form, and message.
To care for the details is to care for the public. The smallest thing builds the larger thing.
Recommended Citation
Adam, Nick, "This is public work" (2018). Masters Theses. 216.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/216
Creative Commons License
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