Scratching the Surface 50. One Year Special with Michael Bierut
Oct 25, 2017
Michael Bierut, a seasoned graphic designer and critic known for his work at Pentagram, interviews the host to celebrate their one-year milestone. They delve into the host's journey into design writing, highlighting the impact of graduate school and video essays on his career. The conversation explores the evolution of graphic design definitions and critiques, emphasizing its broader cultural relevance. They also discuss the challenges of design journalism and the host's aspirations for future interviews, aiming to expand global perspectives in design discourse.
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Finding Design Through Words
- Jarrett discovered graphic design in high school by reading blogs like Design Observer and Speak Up.
- He was drawn as much to the writing about design as to visuals, which shaped his interest early on.
From Decoration To Questioning
- After undergrad Jarrett felt his work was mostly decorative and not intellectually fulfilling.
- That tension pushed him to seek deeper engagement and eventually return to graduate school.
Video Essay Breakthrough
- Jarrett made a video essay in grad school that became a turning point for him.
- The piece traveled online and proved non-text mediums could reach broader audiences for design criticism.
