The Hand
We have grown accustomed to the smooth, flawless surfaces associated with computer generated images and vector graphics . But in all this "perfection," the evidence of the human hand in the process of creation is lost. The hand is capable of making thousands of variations of sensitive marks on a surface with pencil, pen, marker, or any other tool. Pressure, direction, texture, and speed are all constantly modulated by the brain and hand of the artist, resulting in an ever-changing line.
The human eye excels at detecting patterns and flaws; when it looks at computer generated art or letters, it has nothing on which to dwell or wonder. It is boringly perfect. To create work by hand is to take a stand against this homogenization. When physically rendered on a piece of paper with a pencil or other tool, a word or drawing is a wealth of idiosyncratic nooks and crannies for the eye to take delight in.
To most, graphic design is synonymous with computers. But for me, as a designer and artist, the evidence of the human hand is one of the most important elements in my work. I often use the computer even on projects that have a hand-made appearance, but I am careful that I use it as a tool and not an automatic aesthetic.
