Visual Communications Emphasis
As I continue to
build my portfolio, my design style is becoming increasingly apparent. While I
recognize the need of varying styles for different clients, I can definitely
recognize trends in my work. I tend to be clean and concise with modern and
Swiss influences, often leaning toward more simplistic design. Completing class
assignments and taking on an increasing amount of freelance work, has helped me
gain a greater understanding of the profession and of my potential as a
designer.
I’ve been
surrounded by good design for most of my life and I can attribute that to my
father Kent Bingham, who has been a graphic designer for over 20 years. He’s
had a significant influence on my design for a variety of reasons. It was
extremely valuable for me to observe positive communication between designer
and client, and it helped me realize the importance of maintaining solid
working relationships. In addition to influencing my perception of graphic
design as a process, his work covered a wide range of styles and content,
increasing my desire to expand my skillset and continually flex my creative
muscles.
In more recent
years, I’ve turned to other designers for inspiration as well. One designer
I’ve grown to admire is a Type Designer named Sean McCabe. He specializes in
hand lettering and is extremely gifted at being able to portray a specific
meaning or feeling through typography. He is mostly self-taught and has been
successfully self-employed for years. He often shows his sketches or progress
(not just the final product), which has been valuable for me, as I’ve seen him
go through the problem solving process. I’ve been able to apply some of these methods
to my work as a result.
Another designer
I’ve been introduced to more recently is Michael Doret. He was one of a few
designers I was able to choose from for a project in one of my classes, and
I’ve admired him ever since. He has a very unique style, but one that I feel
aligns with my own design style or aspirations. His designs frequently feature
type as a main visual element, and his designs are very crisp, clean, and
pleasing to the eye. He also uses color in a very interesting, effective way.
Many of his designs have a retro feel as a result.
I look forward to
continuing my education and increasing my knowledge of graphic design programs
and overall aptitude in the profession. I will continue to push myself and take
on new challenges. One field in particular that has piqued my interest lately
is motion graphics. While I know very little about it at this point, I look
forward to learning more and exploring other aspects of graphic design as well.
I’m excited for this opportunity to apply to the BFA program, and will continue
push myself to achieve greatness.
