Friday, September 26, 2008

The Propaganda Revolution?




So with the former Soviet Union starting to take shape again and the possibility of a "depression" as the pundits say, are we looking at a possible era of new propaganda? I'm not talking about the propaganda we get everyday by watching network television, I'm talking about the design propaganda that took us through the depression and WWII. There was amazing work produced back then at the expense of the governments of the USSR and the USA. Work that I think you would be hard pressed to matched on such a scale again. I think the real question is, does the world the way it is today have a place for such propaganda.

Personally I think as a whole that with the wide access to the internet and television that printed propaganda has little chance of a revolution. Sure the pieces could be produced, but to what success? Designers and collectors would love to get their hands on political and social propaganda posters. This is a problem - well designed, graphically interested posters would immediately disappear from their place of post, thus not allowing the message to get out. That's why I think the evolution of propaganda has already happened. Examine the current presidential election - messages, videos and stories being disseminated on the internet. Supposed news organizations with an initiative for a specific candidate. Regardless of the truth of any of the items they are around the world in seconds. A successful YouTube video today is 100 times more effective than a great propaganda poster of the 1930's. The whole thing that's sad about this is that those posters of the 1930's and 1940's will always be cherish and have a place in history. But how long will the modern day videos and internet stories be remembered and cherished? That's the problem with the internet - there's no tangible element to remind history that it existed. Print will never be perfect, but it will always be part of history.

As a designer I say we start producing propaganda to halt the evolution of propaganda - let's see how that would workout. Of course we may need a government agency created to oversee the PATEOP (Propaganda Against The Evolution Of Propaganda).

Monday, September 8, 2008

The Impact of Image



Don't you just hate it when a client comes to you and presents a project that they want to produce and they explain to you that they only have enough budget for design and printing. They have nothing for photography or illustration. What's the point? It's kind of like building a house without a roof - it's got windows and has a foundation but it won't last long and needless to say is useless.

I can't express enough how important imagery is for any project. While there are lot of options utilizing stock these days they is still no substitute for shooting or illustrating for the actual project. I've heard many times, "Oh don't worry, Jane here is a photographer". Really, than why is Jane answering your phones. There is a reason that professional photographers get paid for what they do, simply put - it's not that easy. Sure I can come up with some brilliant ideas for a project and have an idea of how I envision a photo looking, but just because I have digital camera doesn't mean I can shoot photos.

The photos when shot properly will perfect the concept and in turn make the piece effective.
Why spend the money at all if you aren't willing to get decent photography or illustration? Keep the money and throw a party, it might have a better result. Now when the budget for photography or illustration is considered the outcome can be outstanding. Regardless of what the project is imagery is going to make or break it. So next time you want to produce an amazing piece remember to add in the budget for photography and/or illustration. Your designer/agency will thank you, as will your boss for producing such an amazing piece.