#026 – GUESTS – Karl Walters – Matt O’Neill – The State of Graphic Design
It's not about making pretty pictures

Published on September 10, 2018

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This week we have not one, but TWO bona fide, dyed-in-the-wool, graphic designers. Karl Walters and Matt O’Neill join us to talk about the state of graphic design and how it is still not only relevant but critical, in this digital age.

If you’re wondering where this episode is going, it really isn’t about making pretty pictures. To be honest, anyone can make pretty pictures. Slap Helvetica Neue Black over the top of some overly filtered happy snap and boomshanka, it’s ‘design’.

In fact, there is usually not much wrong with those logos that get pumped out at Fiverr. Go have look.

It’s pretty decent looking site and it’s pretty tempting to think that someone you’ve never met; probably not be able to talk to; who lives on another continent; isn’t paid enough to get to know you or your business is going to be able to design your corporate visual identity (the very thing that iconographically defines who and what you stand for).

It’s like asking the publican in the next town to name your baby, dress your husband or design your boudoir. Nuts.

The design method is more than valid in this day and age – it’s a method that solves problems. Visual design is only one aspect of design – but the methodology is valid for most problem-solving scenarios. When done correctly, it’s a process that allows for creativity AND efficiency.

Digital graphic design is still design

The main takeaway here is that when you’re buying good design, you’re not buying pretty pictures – you’re buying a process and a methodology that will yield a creative solution that is designed just for you.  Someone with the expertise to make you something with meaning and gravitas that is infused with the spirit of your venture.

Here’s more on our guests.

Karl Walters from Karl Adrian Design – AKA the ninja of graphic design. Karl, you already know from a previous episode on Karl Adrian Design.

Matt O’Neill from Mutant Design – AKA something, something, super-hero, mutant design god. Matt’s also a stand-up comedian and very well-known designer in the Victorian film scene. Check out his latest creative venture – Paranormal Investigating Ghost Hunters.

Now, go do something creative.