design: an arrangement of visual elements; methods, theories, and research all exist behind every successful design
culture: an integrated pattern of knowledge, beliefs, and behavior constant throughout a group of people who share the same goals, attitudes, and values
language: a means of expression and communication; allows for information to be exchanged from one person to another
Since design is all around us no matter where we are, everything depends on design. Culture greatly influences design. For a design to be effective, it must fulfill the needs of the culture into which it is introduced. Without language, the existence of any design would be impossible. Designs are a form of language in the sense that they convey information to large amounts of people. Culture would also not exist without language. In order for a group of people to determine what their collective goals, beliefs, and values are, they must communicate with one another. The notions of design, culture, and language are tightly knit and immensely influential to one another.
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Example of an intersection between design, culture, and language:
Tattoo artist Kat Von D has recently created her own line of cosmetics for Sephora. Below is an advertisement which promotes her two new fragrances, "Saint" and "Sinner", along with her newly formulated tattoo concealer.
The element of design is present in the layout of the photos taken, the look of the perfume bottles, the choice of clothing, the backdrop, her different hairstyles, and in her tattoos themselves. These decisions were made consciously and purposefully in consideration of this ad's final design.
Kat Von D addresses separate cultures through the duality presented in the photos above. She acknowledges anyone belonging to the tattoo culture, people who may want to purchase the "Sinner" scent, while also appealing to those of more conservative cultures, people who might purchase the alternative "Saint" scent. In doing so, she broadens the spectrum of consumers who would be interested in her products.
The notion of language is also apparent in this example. Kat is communicating to the massive amount of people in the tattoo culture that they do have options when it comes to revealing their permanent markings. Having been tattooed since she was 14 years old, she makes a very bold statement to her audience through the concealment of every tattoo on her body. If the product works for her, it will most likely work for anyone else.
Kat Von D addresses separate cultures through the duality presented in the photos above. She acknowledges anyone belonging to the tattoo culture, people who may want to purchase the "Sinner" scent, while also appealing to those of more conservative cultures, people who might purchase the alternative "Saint" scent. In doing so, she broadens the spectrum of consumers who would be interested in her products.
The notion of language is also apparent in this example. Kat is communicating to the massive amount of people in the tattoo culture that they do have options when it comes to revealing their permanent markings. Having been tattooed since she was 14 years old, she makes a very bold statement to her audience through the concealment of every tattoo on her body. If the product works for her, it will most likely work for anyone else.
This is an awesome, awesome advertisement and I think you explained it beautifully. I have a lot of respect and admiration for Kat Von D, as she is a great talent who is able to freely express herself as she sees fit. This ad does a good job of conveying a certain message while still promoting her products. It has a specific design, purpose and language that is associated with it.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I could never had said how well design, culture, and language go together quite like that and you put it in a brand new way for me. Kat Von D is a beautiful and extremely gifted artist who clearly knows elements of design and how to express ideas and feelings to the audience she wants to reach. This photo was a perfect example of that with the duality it showed. She was able to reach even those that may not view her identity as appropriate or appealing in i thought a very effective way. Great post!
ReplyDeleteWow great thinking! I never would hae thought to use look at such an advertisment and how it relates to design culture and language. Kat Von D has the ability to appeal to a very large audience, she is truly a magnificent artist. Her cosmetic lines are able to appeal to a multitude of tastes, those who have a more eclectic sence of style, like her, and those who don't This line can relate to many cultures and tastes.
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