David Carson – American graphic design guru speaks to Georgian Design and Visual Arts students and staff

David Carson, the designer who Newsweek says “changed the public face of graphic design,” visited the Barrie Campus to speak with Design and Visual Arts students and staff.

Often dubbed the original grunge graphic designer, Carson is recognized for breaking the rules and inspiring a generation of designers to push the limits of communication.

“The students and faculty were very excited to have him on campus,” said Paul Koidis, Associate Dean, Design and Visual Arts. “He’s like John Lennon to them.”

Industry bible Graphic Design USA includes Carson in their list of the top five most influential designers.

Carson spoke to a packed house in Alumni Hall and was introduced by Design and Visual Arts faculty member Ken Rush, who cited Carson as one of his main design influencers.

Carson’s presentation on Nov. 7 was filled with many humorous anecdotes and thought-provoking photographs.

“I like to get inspired by taking photos of whatever catches my eye – things that fascinate me,” said Carson. “And it’s hard to beat Mother Nature when it comes to the different shades and patterns that are caused by nature.”

The photographs captured something of interest for Carson, whether a blue door on a little house created from a variety of scrap metal, some type of graffiti, or a sign utilizing myriad styles of hand-drawn fonts advertising a local fish fry.

Carson said a big part of being a successful designer is having a good eye.

“Everyone has access to the same programs and software but it’s having a good eye to capture what is worth photographing that is key,” he said.

He also encouraged students to get out from behind their computers as often as they can, and said it’s still crucial to do some design by hand.

Carson added that it’s important to not mistake legibility with communication.

“Always ask yourself what message you’re trying to send,” he said.

Koidis later gave Carson a tour of Barrie’s downtown, providing him with a sense of where Georgian’s graphic design program will be housed in the future.

“I look forward to exploring creative possibilities with David in the new downtown campus as we evolve into a world-class leader in next generation digital design education and incubation,” Koidis said.

Carson spent the rest of the afternoon visiting classes and meeting with students.