Graphic Design Educators’ Network 2018 Conference, UK

W * * C H C R A F T ? Exploring notions of craft within contemporary graphic design education

By definition, craft describes both the act of making things by hand and the art of persuasion. This double meaning resonates with the discipline of Graphic Design as so much of our practice is wrapped up in how and why we create communication.

New technology has certainly increased our craft and influence, often beguiling our users. However, its dark art also questions our magician’s status as artificial intelligence generates increasingly persuasive autonomous design. By contrast, the ubiquity of technology-driven solutions has also created a greater appetite for bespoke design crafted by the human hand.

Therefore as our field of expertise continues to evolve – fusing, multiplying, specialising – and the mystery and power of its application grows, deciding what to learn and how to study it is a prevalent question for both aspiring and established designers and educators.

From designer-makers to digital strategists let us share, explore and debate the w**chcraft inherent in the practice and education of contemporary graphic design.

Presenters will discuss a range of topics on graphic design education from design practice, research, history, theory and criticism.