Making the Invisible Visible: Grids Workshop with Maurizio Masi
WIP Bifold, Inside
Experimenting with modernist inspiration and color extracted from photography.
Professional development and continuing education are top priorities for me at this point in my career. I've explored a variety of conferences, courses, workshops, and online learning opportunities, finding that each experience has offered something different: some have helped me build practical skills, others have demonstrated new ways to approach familiar problems, and some others have shown me... what I don't want out of a course, which has made me cautiously hopeful every time I try a new learning opportunity.
Of all the courses and workshops I've taken so far, this was easily my favorite. Maurizio Masi found the ideal balance between reviewing foundational design principles, introducing new tools, giving us time to experiment while demonstrating his own approach, and encouraging quick critiques among attendees. My only complaint is that it had to come to an end. It's especially rewarding to finish a workshop feeling like I've gained something I can immediately apply to my work, along with new ideas for keeping my skills fresh.
Maurizio also introduced us to a whole host of influential designers and a library of essential reading material that I'm excited to explore. There were so many designers whose work I instantly recognized, but whose names I never would have known. - one of these was Saul Bass and his movie poster designs. The simplicity, clarity, and contrast of his work make a thoughtfully bold impression. The angular illustrations and textured quality of his designs are inspiring me to experiment with styles I haven't had much opportunity to explore in my daily projects.
A few tidbits from the workshop that are resonating with me:
"You don't need to be a [ ] designer to design it." This has me reconsidering the self-imposed limits of my role, my style, and my ideas.
6 picas = 72 points = 1 inch! It may sound lame, but learning there's a connection between these units was mind-blowing.
Lastly, something I believe I've parroted without knowing where it came from: "Graphic design is about relationships." - Paul Rand
Part of the professional development process is learning about learning: revisiting foundational principles helps reinforce concepts I already know while revealing how much more there is to discover between the lines. The tools, techniques, and styles I use every day shouldn't go stale, and I'm committed to making a conscious effort to try new things, ask questions, and push beyond my comfort zone.
The attitude of Maurizio and the entire cohort was a reminder of what I enjoy about being a designer in the first place: finding excitement in small but impactful details, looking past the obvious to uncover the method behind a design, and encouraging fellow creatives by recognizing successful choices they might not have even noticed themselves. I'm inspired to bring some of that fresh perspective into my own practice.