Eye to Eye

While studying graphic design at the University of the Pacific, the biggest challenge that I came across was communication. As artists and designers, we use communication throughout every aspect of our lives, whether it is in conversations with clients, the collaboration of ideas with other creatives, or even the delivery of a central message in our designs. Likewise, it does not stop at graphic design – every living being, even plants, must use some form of communication, that is, if they wish to be understood. Because it is such an important aspect of all of our lives, everyone should treat communication with delicacy. Eye to Eye is an experimental typography project that explores the laboriousness of communication. When we have conversations, it is extremely difficult to communicate precisely and accurately, and it is even more challenging to completely understand the person you are conversing with. Additionally, we are constantly battling distractions. For example, the interruption of literal noise or even the intrusions of our own thoughts and memories create obstacles for us when conversing. My exploration highlights the layered nature of conversations and how viewing from different perspectives warps and manipulates our perception. If we wish to not only communicate, but to listen, understand, and empathize with one another, the first step is self-awareness: It’s a day’s work to see eye to eye.