Cambridge Dictionary Definition:
Made using the hands rather than a machine: handmade chocolates / paper / shoes
‘handcrafted’. Suggests that handmade products are perhaps more unrefined, less of a precise and reproducible finish
“So many designers learn to remove the imperfections that come with doing things by hand. But those imperfections are what make the work human.” - Robynne Raye
The art of the handmade is still very relevant in graphic design even in this digital age. This is especially reflected in areas like typography, because the formation of characters is directly connected to the way you make marks on paper with the material in your hand. Type should nearly always be designed by hand. Only then should the computer be used to refine the text if necessary. This is something that I have learnt on my foundation course and grown to enjoy practicing a lot in other projects when writing titles and doing general text layouts. For instance a typography project where I was given a location in Britain, which I then had to create a typeface based around the place and local accent. I found when experimenting and creating my typography it was a lot easy to do so by hand as it bought a playfulness and fluidity to the ideas. Only after the design was finalised by hand I found it helpful to bring it into a digital environment to manipulate and copy it for the final typography piece.
Computers can make good copies of handmade designs. But this is not a solution because a scanner will not reproduce tactile textures and nuances of design, it does however provide a good compromise, because it is still able to capture some of the essence of a handmade piece. This is a good compromise, because computers and digital printers allow us to mass produce good quality designs, which can be derived from something that is handmade, and has all the marks of being done so.
There is enjoyment in the art of handmade, how fun can progress the design world, and develop an industry that can sometimes be considered far too straight forward for the exciting art that is being created. Creating typography from hand shows how the designer works, not just visually, but gives you an insight into how the designer thinks and responds to visual ideas. Hand drawn typography has become popular in modern society as it creates an authenticity and appearance that the design is more directed at the user, creating more of a personal connection.
While we enjoy the benefits of modern technology in design, we are rediscovering the value of handmade effects and elements in design, advertising and products. The perks brought by the digital world have improved the way designers can create and interact, but rediscovering the value of handmade, going back to this form is helping designers enhance their work and create imagery that pushes the boundaries in graphic design.
Handmade design creates variety in the digital world, as it generates design with intriguing forms and outcomes. Using handmade techniques forms a range of opportunities, and shows designers different ways of thinking about how to create designs using a range of techniques and acquired skills.
Compared to digital I think handmade design produces a more personal finish that can communicate better to a larger audience. A handmade composition has texture and depth, which also feels more human. Making things by hand gives you less control. This can make people uncomfortable, but I think it produces the most interesting results. I also believe the imperfections in handmade work become part of the work and add something extra to it making it more visually interest. Not being tied to the capabilities of the software you are using is refreshing and brings with it further inspiration.
