Graphic Design History Midterm Paper

PROMPT 1:

Reflecting on the CBS eye logo within the context of corporate design, Dennis Doordan quotes

designer Paul Rand: “Symbols are a duality. They take on meanings from causes—good and

bad. And they give meaning to causes—good and bad.” (Doordan 4)

Use the two logos below to help you answer the following question:

How does each of these logos build upon (and/or subvert) existing cultural forms to communicate a particular agenda? Consider the logos in relation to one another to build your argument, reflecting on the ways in which they aesthetically, conceptually, and ideologically converge and diverge. To craft your response, draw substantively from at least TWO of the course readings from Weeks 2-6.

To build your argument, you may discuss how the works...

...imagine and/or construct their audience.

...respond to a particular political or economic situation.

...speak to particular social conditions.

...represent different people and practices.

...reference other media and/or other graphic design artifacts.

...take on meanings in different geographic locations or communities.

...adopt different meanings over time.