TheKDU
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- thedriver0
100!
- jasontroj0
"We use our voice to attack important topics, such as over consumption and decaying value systems. "
I didn't want to toss my hat into this, but it looks like I have to now. How is The KDU attacking over consumption and decaying value systems? Most of the work is pushing branded product and often times in a way that is fashionable and trendy. Maybe I'm missing something here, but that doesn't seem to be the motivation of this endeavor at all.
If you are a design/hype group then call it that, but don't act like the work is socially responsible and progressive. Listing MTV as a client is not exactly convincing.
I have always followed Gensler, I still think he should have stayed in Philadelphia, and I respect the style and ambition behind most of the work. So this isn't about what is produced but what you are calling it.
- robbbie0
hate is all you need
- gramme0
Someone:
summary in 100 words or less, please.
- tommyo0
I can't read this whole thread. I don't care about the name calling and bullshit that gets tossed around during the course of this whole ordeal.
What I do care about is something called graphic design. I care that these young designers are getting caught up in being part of a 'global army.' A hype fest with absolutely no aim of 'communicating' anything other than this mornings shallow style. I just find it completely shameful that the barometer of being successful as a designer is inching closer and closer to the criteria that make a successful real estate agent. When I look at some of the people associated with the KDU, I see fluffy bullshit.
It pains me to actually sound as old as I might be getting, but if these young kids focus only on being stylish, then the purpose for us, as designers is easily transferred and duplicated by anyone in the world. Basically, if we turn design into a style-only, non-thinking form of communication (we're already more than half way there) then the channels that are already cropping up (templatemonster.com, infinitylogodesign.com) become more and more viable for companies to use on a regular basis.
To me, the KDU represents this style-first attitude of hype and dominance. Instead of treating design with the respect that it deserves, they cheapen it, making expectations lower and less interesting (in my opinion). The fact that a lot of young designers either swing from the testicles of style-first 'designers,' or don't take the time to learn how good visual communication works worries me to say the least. That a group of 'designers' would want a mouthpiece in the form of a racist, foul-mouthed, ignorant (with an ego so large he can't comprehend his own mental limitations) doorknob such as son, is a reason to doubt their intentions. I could give two fucks about the KDU. I do however care about the direction of our field.
Son, I'm sure that this doesn't bother you...seeing as you've never been really good at seeing things for what they are...seeing as you've always been somewhat of an amplifier for the person or cause with their tongue in your ear at the moment. But a few years ago you had a thread about how Gensler was doing great things for the black community...by turning Roca into a success...I called you crazy and asked you why you thought creating a need for high fashion was a great thing for poor black people. You and I went round and round. Guess who emailed me and said he had no clue why you thought what you thought, that I (and other people in that thread) were right and that he was slightly embarrassed about what he had done for Roca, that he wanted to do better things now. I'm guessing you figured out who emailed me. Anyhow, you're being used. I can only assume that he figured if he gave you some knowledge and pointed you in the right direction that you'd repeatedly throw yourself against the wall with your new 'global army.' Maybe the guy has pure intentions with you, I really don't know and don't care. I think we all need to focus more on becoming, maintaining and growing a respectable community of 'thinkers.'
- vague0
awesome. post.
- kona0
epic tommy. epic.
- gramme0
Couldn't agree more, tommyo.
- tank020
+100 for tommyo.
great post!
- ismith0
<3
- son0
thanks for driving the extra attention to the KDU. you should all look a bit closer before yapping off for days.
you should also try matching something or exceeding it or even attempting to understand it before you run your mouth.
how in the world could you understand a private groups business practices? criticize its leader when you have no idea who he is or what his agenda is?
it is insane to say the group only self promotes. This could not be further from the truth. Promotion is key.. but who does not promote themselves?
read the interviews... investigate the projects... there might be a tad more depth that your initial surface scan detected. When business leaders and clients call us out...
we will respond- otherwise I will take comfort in Dave's own words... 'The KDU is a private group. How do these people apply to myself or us as an organization?
people are people, let them have their public opinions about our private group... it cant do anything to slow our progress. I care about our agenda, not theirs.'- What you fail to see is that other "members" of your little gang have stepped into this thread to discredit you.JesseJensensMom
- Maybe you should read all the posts.JesseJensensMom
- lifterBARON0
It makes a lot of sense... I just don't understand how no one here is seeing what Gensler is trying to do. I really don't think he sits at home and plots raping designers for their "stylish message." He's pooling resources, and something a lot of people forget is that involvement on all sides, is the only way to make it work well.
By no means am I trying to negate what youre saying, I just find more curiosity than dedication in your words. What do you think would help the industry the most? Sticking to standards? Maybe Being multi-disciplinary? I dont know so I ask..
And why is it, that NO ONE on this thread is backing up their strong opinions with evidence in the form of a solid portfolio??
- This was in reference to tommoyo's post..lifterBARON
- Tommyo has a very nice portfolio :)ismith
- IMO. eh whatever I just like stuffismith
- killerqueen0
Summed up in one word?
Incestuous.
- killerqueen0
lifterBARON let us be honest with ourselves now, you got a couple websites and a couple flyers in your student portfolio, i wouldn't be ready to bang heads with some of the designers on here mate.
- First of all lovely, its not a student portfolio.. And I feel completely comfortable showing it without being updated..lifterBARON
- Update in progress.. AND yes, I would be read to bang heads with who ever wants to share their work.. I still have found NO sign of your experience.. ???lifterBARON
- killerqueen0
lifterBARON for fucks sake, stop with your notes and just write a proper reply.
- Jaline0
It's like the kids at Yayhooray who talk about hipsters and fail to see how Threadless was made by the same people.
- lifterBARON0
You still haven't made it clear where you get your experience from.. ??? Sorry I thought noted where there to be used for poop like that.. what evs..
- what evs indeed.killerqueen
- Apparently you didnt take my question seriously?lifterBARON
- son0
we are using design, business innovation and the groups gravity and connections to help people. The work we are doing in Africa is significant, whether it works or not, we are pushing attention to a region that needs help. When we get opportunities to speak at events or in the press, we dont self promote, we push issues that we feel need to be investigate and discussed. again, I care about our agenda, not someone that would slander people on a blog out of pure confusion.
- what work is the KDU doing in Africa, out of interest? (I'm staying out of this argument)detritus