Milton Glaser on Fairey
Out of context: Reply #39
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Personally, I’m of the opinion that Shepard Fairey is on his way to becoming a line item under the “filters” drop down menu. But I’m not really trying to further the debate of whether what Fairey does should be considered wrong or right. Appropriation is all over the place, I’m guilty of it myself. I’ve never achieved fame by doing it–but somehow, I don’t think that’s a solid standard of ethics in this case.
When I was a student, I copied my favorite designers. In fact, I was encouraged to. There is something to be said about student’s copying a great design. It’s not unlike doing a master study of one of the great painters. You start to see why choices were made, what went where and when. You begin to get the process and it helps you wrap your head around what goes into making something of worth.
However, this is only true of execution. The danger is when students or professionals begin to “borrow” the ideas. And we see that a lot too.
I don’t know if Fairey is liable for ripping off the photographer, I don't care--it makes for entertaining banter either way. But I’m not impressed with his one and seemingly only style. At the core of it’s function, graphic design is about communicating a message. The best messages are usually transmitted through great ideas.
Appropriation aside--how GREAT can an idea be when it’s completely possible to replicate through one click of an upload button? ( http://obamiconme.pastemagazine.… )