OUGD601 / Context Of Practice / Rationale

Following the areas of research undertaken in the past two years, the final year's dissertation can be seen as an accumulation of the course' study. Studying Modernism in the first year and Postmodernism in the second has allowed me to study two greatly contrasting practices. It is my intent to use an accumulation of the two in order to inform my third year study. I intend the research and practical response undertaken to be more than simply completing a module but a study that can inform my practice as a future designer, if a designer at all.

Following the second year's study of Postmodern practice within typography, the direction I am to take has changed considerably. Perhaps a disenfranchisement with design theory with Graphic Design or lack evident within a commercial environment has directed me to pursue a more practical approach in that the result of the module will be useful and not simply of, what may seem irrelevant within a commercial environment.

Recently undertaken an internship at DAZED, my aspirations as a designer have changed:

• A agenda- driven practice now seems more appealing than the 'Mac Monkey' position seen in commercial Graphic Design.
• Design is to not be fetishised - It is a tool to complete an action; however reminiscent of a Modernist sensibility, this mentality is to not dictate my visual output but inform my approach to the unnecessary importance given to the discussion of design theory. Real life is more important than graphic design.
• An initial hope of editorial design has expanded into every reach of publishing; Journalism, Art Direction, Photography. This is to inform my practice through considering design as a means to an end, but the relationship between each aspect of publishing.