My Response:
This reading really brought my attention to the process of thinking I use when making my graphic designs. I often find myself trying to complete designs and projects in the most creative way possible. From my perspective as a student I would want to teach in a fun and engaging style that encourages creative thinking among other students. Therefore, I agree with Rand in his statement of teaching from your own perspective as a student. Putting yourself in a student’s shoes will give you a better learning atmosphere and a much more attentive class.
For my graphic design I also agree with his statement of putting rules and limitations on the “games” used to complete creative projects. In my own experience, I used to work in my high school’s library making displays and seasonal artwork for other classmates to enjoy. I was given specific parameters for what I was allowed to create such as, limited supply of paper, other art supplies, and a limited space for creating these designs. The limitations seemed like a drawback at first, but soon I realized that without the rules I had to follow I might not have been able to create the artwork that I did.
Paul Rand’s “The Design and The Play” made me realize the value behind the limitations presented to us not only in graphic design but life as well. The rules give us a guideline, and it is our job to make the most of it.
