food for thought

  1. The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls. Pablo Picasso
  2. Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. Edgar Degas
  3. No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist. Oscar Wilde
  4. To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist. Schumann
  5. The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity. Walt Whitman

May 08, 2025

10. The designer's concept statement


While artist’s statement refers to works already done (or, to artists’ works in general), the designer’s concept statement usually proposes future works, which will only become reality if the propositions are accepted by the customers; it may also refer to already concluded projects
Note the use of the future tense and conditionals 
Also starts from more general philosophies/aesthetics, sources of inspiration, becoming very specific to fit the exact customer (custom-made) project
Presupposes a good knowledge of the customer’s interests, activity (previous research/documentation)



Task 1: What elements do the above statements contain?
Task 2: Write a design(er) concept statement for a project you are currently working on.

Deadline: May 21

3 comments:

  1. Pițigoi Alexia Nicoleta, Design, 2nd Year
    Task 1: The designer’s concept statement includes several important elements. First, it starts with a personal connection, the designer talks about how their aesthetic and passion came from their mother’s love for antiques and how this influenced their own design style. This shows a deeper philosophy and personal story behind the project. Then, the statement moves on to describe the design approach, specifically the focus on mixing old and contemporary elements. The designer connects this approach to a real project, restoring and reusing a historical warehouse to become a space for a university’s design department. This part includes historical context, showing they’ve done research and understand the value of the space. Finally, the statement ends with a clear goal, preserving history while giving the building a new purpose for future use. Overall, the statement mixes personal inspiration, project-specific goals, historical research, and a proposed design vision, all in a way that is tailored to a specific client and place.
    Task 2: For my current project, I want to use my personal visual reflection, meant to capture a feeling rather than a fixed identity. Instead of a traditional self-portrait, I chose to represent myself through symbolic and minimal elements, focusing on contrast, space, and atmosphere. The core of the composition is built around an open, suspended element that suggests possibility and transition. Floating forms and abstract surroundings hint at ideas of time, self-discovery, and inner quiet. I was inspired by the idea of how our thoughts and future are often shaped by what we don’t fully see or understand yet. The project combines graphic simplicity with emotional depth, leaving room for interpretation while expressing something deeply personal. It’s not about how I look, it’s about how I imagine moving forward.

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  2. 1. The designer s concept statement is well structured and thoughtful. It begins with a personal touch, the designer explains how their interest in antiques, inspired by their mother, helped shape their design style. This adds a meaningful background to their work. The statement then outlines the main design idea: combining vintage and modern elements. This concept is applied to a real project which implies renovating an old warehouse for a university s design department. The designer includes historical details to show they have researched the building and understand its importance. The statement ends with a clear goal: to respect the past while giving the space a new, useful purpose.
    2. My current project is a personal exploration through drawing. Each object I create represents someone who has shaped who I am. These objects are not just everyday things, they carry emotional weight, memories, and meaning. Whether it s my grandmother s ring or a friend s lighter, each item reflects a part of my personality influenced by those relationships. My goal is to highlight how the people around us leave lasting impressions, often through the smallest details.

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  3. Moldovan Andreea 3rd year photo-video
    task 1
    The concept statement includes two main elements: a personal background and a design approach. The author shares how a love for antiques and old-world charm, passed down from her mother, shaped her interest in preserving historical architecture and blending old with modern design.
    The second part focuses on the project: redesigning the John E. Hughes Company Tobacco Warehouse for East Carolina University’s Interior Design Department. It highlights the building’s history and emphasizes preserving its structure while adapting it for future use.
    task 2
    My project explores the intersection of fear, distortion, and identity through a collection of grotesque, otherworldly figures. Drawing inspiration from nightmares, mythological beasts, and the darker corners of the human psyche, the work aims to challenge the viewer’s perception of beauty and discomfort. Each character is intentionally exaggerated and fragmented to reflect internal emotional states such as grief, rage, or madness. The use of purples and muted hues adds a dreamlike, haunted tone, while the anatomical distortions invite a closer examination of what we typically suppress or fear.
    The goal of this piece is to evoke a visceral response, forcing viewers to confront the unfamiliar and the unsettling within themselves. Rather than offering a traditional narrative, the artwork becomes a psychological mirror, reflecting complex human emotions through monstrous forms. It is both a critique of perfection and a celebration of the raw, chaotic, and unfiltered aspects of existence.

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