Group Discussion (Week 1)

On Monday, we were asked to complete a group assignment which was discuss about an article, "First Thing First". This group assignment should be done by Thursday, and we will discuss it on Friday class.

Here are what my group have discuss about:

1. What is the main problem or issue that the author is addressing?

The main problem being addressed is about graphic designers’ skills and creative imagination being wasted by making them focus solely on creating and designing advertisements for mundane consumer products and services instead of using their skills to shed light on important topics.

2. Discuss one point that you agree and why? Give an example?

“We have been bombarded with publications devoted to this belief, applauding the work of those who have flogged their skill and imagination to sell such things as……”

We agree with the point above as companies and the general public tend to undermine designers as they think designers’ skills are only useful and seen when creating advertisements when in reality, designers have a hand in designing almost everything that we own ranging from the design of our technological products, the clothes that we wear, to the media that we consume.

This belief has been deeply rooted in the general public and designers, to the point where many recently graduated designers tend to get persuaded into advertising design as they tend to have a general belief that they can only succeed and have a flourishing career if they all enter the advertising world. However, by doing this they should be able to voice out their opinion to create a bigger message towards the public.

3. Discuss one point that you disagree and why? Give an example?

“The greatest time and effort of those working in the advertising industry are worked on these trivial purposes.”

We disagree with the point above because there are designers that enjoy creating advertisements and don’t find it a waste of their skills and time since the ability required to create a memorable and successful advertisement means that they have a good understanding in creating an appealing advertisement that is able to target the subconscious needs in an average consumer

Besides, the advertising field has changed dramatically over the years. We no longer rely on old methods of advertising anymore. Instead, many advertising campaigns tend to use meaningful messages and bring light on an important topic while simultaneously promoting their products. An example of this method can be seen in The Dove Self Esteem Campaign, where they talk about empowering women as a message behind their advertisement. This shows that graphic designer work doesn’t just focus solely on advertising, but also uses it as a way to spread a message.

---

Reference list:

Murray, D., 2012.Branding “Real” Social Change In Dove's Campaign For Real Beauty. [online] Taylor & Francis. Available at: <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14680777.2011.647963> [Accessed 21 April 2020].