We’ve all seen these vans—and probably been repulsed or embarrassed. Provoked by this particular van, Kenneth FitzGerald, an artist, writer and educator at Old Dominion University, wrote I Believe in Design, a deeply contemplative article exploring the relationship between graphic design and faith. As I thought about it, I realized I would expand his thinking to cover all design.
FitzGerald, writes:
Of course, the intention of the owners is for me to take notice, and I do. However, the next step should be for me to contemplate religious faith. And once again, I do — but in a context of design. For me, these vehicles are one manifestation an ongoing concern — the relationship of graphic design and faith.
He suggests that the intention of the design is to get noticed and then to lead the viewer to contemplate religious faith. He does this in the context of design, but the underlying question for designers of faith is, What does my design actually lead people to contemplate? This is actually a good question for everyone regarding their work, their profession, their business.
FitzGerald acknowledges that many of his students cite their faith as inspiration and motivation for their work. And yet he’s struck by the realization that the role of faith is seldom mentioned in discussions about design. Undoubtedly, many in the design profession are people of faith, but is it possible their faith and their design are disconnected? I think so. And, with FitzGerald, I wonder why? Even if such discussions aren’t carried out in public institutions, people of faith in the design community must discuss this and must challenge each another to create design that is not just a religious bumper sticker affixed to otherwise mundane work, but truly inspired design through and through.
His main challenge to designers of faith is:
…If I’ve articulated a common critique it’s that a student’s work isn’t passionate enough. That appraisal pretty much goes across the board for student (and professional) work. Most graphic design suffers from an impersonality and detachment that resists audience interaction. For religious work, such an approach is distressingly mortal.
This lack of passion, in my mind, is evident in so much of what is produced by people of faith, and I would agree that most of it is not transcendent and enduring, but very, very mortal. How can we who have such an incredible gift as faith in our creative God not create and produce remarkable works that express our passion? How can we challenge each another to use the extraordinary gifts God has given us and the astonishing relationship we have with him to create in ways that amaze the world?
FitzGerald’s final challenge is haunting…
I wonder sometimes about the absence of public discussion about the topic, no more or less than any other intangible but heartfelt influence upon creativity. And never mind about touching someone’s heart with graphic design — what about their soul? Is anyone making the attempt?
I’m challenged by this. How can it be that people will cite their faith as the source of their inspiration and yet produce things that have no passion, no striving to touch others deeply? Will I commit myself to passionately creating things that touch peoples’ hearts? Can I, will I, go beyond that to creating things that touch people’s soul? Am I making the attempt? Or do I settle for far, far less?
I’ve written previously on this idea, examining the work of J.S. Bach and how his faith infused his creativity: J.S. Bach + The Meaning of Work. Please read this, and continue the dialogue with your colleagues.
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I myself am a graphic designer and was amazed by this article as you don’t see this topic covered at all. A friend and I often discussed how far our faith feels from our profession sometimes (being so embedded in the material world and design being there to communic8 the needs of the client – there is little room for personal expression. Consequently we have found an outlet where our faith and creativity can communicate with passion and give God glory. We started a Christian ezine – that speaks to teens and young adults – Design with this age group is SO important as it is often the first element that is judged. We have found that by keeping the quality high we are able to reach so many more people and encourage them to reach in and discover the content. Go have a look at http://WWW.ILLUMIN8.CO.ZA and let me know what you think.
Leanne,
Thanks for the comments and for engaging in this dialogue. There’s a long way to go.
I’d be interested on your thoughts on the article on Bach that is noted at the bottom of the above post on design. I think it takes the role of design to another level. Let me know what you think.
This post reminds me of my friend, Paul Soupiset. He’s got some great thoughts about design, and he’s a pretty good designer.
Paul says that most people just don’t understand how difficult it is to design something. Then he’ll list off the number of thumbnails (freehand) that he and his team will go through before they proceed to a computer. As an outsider, it’s hard to believe how much they put into it. But their work obviously pays off in excellent products and logos.
I hope we can take the idea of "design" beyond graphics and visuals. When we think about the work that God has done as a designer, it encompasses all of creation. A lot of our human experience in the marketplace is marked by bad design whether it is cramped seats on airlines, poor service in a restaurant, signs that are unclear, cars that breakdown…we live in a world of design. So the challenge I keep wrestling with is how do we as people of faith, when we design anything…a visual, a process, a product, a service…anything…are we thinking about how God would design it? How would we feel, what would we feel when we encounter or experience such a design?
Think about the last sunset you gazed at or the last walk along the shore. Or the last time you listened to Bach. Now, we can begin to see what is involved in design.
Dan. I think you will love the sermon my pastor gave just this week. http://www.harboruptown.org/sermon/heaven-at-work-creating-heaven-on-earth/
Thanks for a thought provoking post. I manage a group of designers and I will share this with them, as well.
Thanks, Michele. I look forward to checking out the sermon. Let’s keep the dialogue on this matter going among our colleagues!