The Future, New Media, and Trends

By: Brandon Luhring (May 3, 2001)

     To be an artist and claim that existing media, new media, and trends have little affect on that person's artwork would be a statement made in ignorance. An artist should be fully aware of the major occurrences not only in the visual arts but also society in general. Artists throughout history have used their commentary on society and the world around them as a springboard for their creativity. To function as an artist today and claim to be devoid of influence from new media would place that person as the antithesis of what an artist supposedly is.

     The computer is the root of the new media revolution and has increased the speed in which we see trends fly by. The computer has shown itself to be much more than “another tool” in the artist's palette. The paintbrush, chisel, and camera were not capable of changing every aspect of society. The computer not only can aid in layout design, image manipulation, and three-dimensional planning, but it also has changed how artists buy materials, interact with other artists, display their work, and has even allowed them to sell their work with little effort. To avoid this behemoth of technology would be anti-progressive; something that most artists do not want to be!

     As a graphic designer (especially one interested in web design), I embrace the numerous forms of new media and know that every year my work will change and grow because of these new technologies. I, however, will not allow myself to dig a trench for my work that prevents me from using traditional means to accomplish what is best for each project I undertake. Robert Greenberg, CEO of R/GA Digital Studios, said in an interview that technology is not the only thing that is important now, what we do with our hands is also important¹. I firmly agree with this quote. Each form of visual art has an intrinsic nature that is all its own. The computer cannot replicate the freedom of a sketchbook, the conversation between painter and canvas, or the enjoyment of seeing one's hands molding a beautiful piece of clay. Traditional art will always maintain its integrity; it cannot be replaced.

     The trends that have bombarded the computer-aided world will also affect my work. Indeed, everything that I see affects my work. It's my job as an artist to view these trends and decide what is conceptually worthy for me to be influenced by. Milton Glaser, celebrity designer, was correct when he stated that computers have caused many designers to be more interested in effects than concepts¹. These arbitrary effects are detrimental to the industry, and we should avoid such pointless material.

     Today's artist should react to new media and trends just as they react to any other factor in their lives. They should observe the good and bad qualities, make their own decisions, and strive to further whichever field of art that they are interested in. Keeping our concepts strong and our works cohesive will insure that this technology will improve our work rather than have the negative affects that many artists dread.

¹Quotes taken from Design Dialogues by Steven Heller and Elinor Pettit, 1998 Allworth Press, NY

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