Wednesday, February 3, 2010

1. Define: Design, Culture, and Language

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 in
formation 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.