Beatrice Maikstenaite Graphic and Media Design 21012071 ![]() I am Beatrice Maikstenaite, a Graphic and Media design student, undertaking my placement year. As a creative, I mainly focus on editorial and branding designs that are visually engaging and immersive. I have decided to undertake the DPS year to not only broaden my knowledge of the industry and gather experience but to also explore my skills and how I can grow as a culturally and socially conscious designer. The opportunity to conduct my own SIP project has allowed me to carefully reflect on the subjects I want to investigate and apply the gained knowledge in future practice. With the purpose of learning more about the history and background of typography in my culture, I decided to create a digital typeface that draws inspiration from the nature of Lithuania and portrays cultural references such as traditional woven clothes. The objective of my SIP was to educate myself and the people using the font about my country. Additionally, I intended to spread awareness to Lithuanian graphic designers of the past and their legacy’s impact on today (Ingrida Korsakaitė, 2009). For me, the most significant learning arose from research I undertook on this subject. While I consider myself a socially conscious designer, improved development of explorations on specific topics is a skill I want to implement in my future practice. The idea of my ‘New Agency’ came to life when I first got gifted a book from my mother called ‘1964–1984 m. Lietuvos grafinio dizaino kūrėjai’ by Karolina Jakaite. It is a visual artifact of lost and rediscovered graphic design projects from Lithuanian artists in the 70s and 80s. Analyzation of the book mentioned before led me to acquire knowledge about the absence of Lithuanian graphic design. ‘At the end of the 1980s, after the privatization of the Tara bureau premises began, the specialized library and the materials of the methodical office were being destroyed: creations of several decades were being simply thrown away’ (Karolina Jakaitė, 2022). Finding out that a multitude of cultural heritage was being erased in an instant, I developed my understanding of political events and their consequences. Taking all these learnings about the past, I decided to delve deeper into the essence of Lithuania and conceptualize what essentially makes my country what it is today. Initially, I did not feel confident enough to undertake such a broad topic, however after talking to my tutor in the Bambuu program and brainstorming with my mentor, I have come to the realization, that nature has always been a part of our culture. References to trees and forests can be seen in Folklore music and tales, paintings, and even traditional clothing. Therefore, I decided to print out photographs of various native plants in Lithuania and outline multiple shapes of letters I was seeing. The purpose of my outcome has become clearer, as I started not looking back on the existing typefaces, but instead adapting the ‘playground’ (Vincent Vrints, 2019) method that created an unexpected outcome. Having learned from professional practitioners who supported me throughout my project and gave constructive criticism, I now know how to approach future briefs and SIP projects as a more conscious and confident designer. My ‘New Agency’ has become a guide for my career, connecting people and culture, delving deeper into research, and creating what’s next to come.
Bibliography: Ingrida Korsakaitė, (2009) ‘Pratarmė’, Grafika šiuolaikinių menų kryžkelėje, pp.13. Karolina Jakaitė, (2022) ‘1964–1984 m. Lietuvos grafinio dizaino kūrėjai’, pp. 128. Ruby Boddington, (2019) ‘Vrints-Kolsteren on a year of self-initiated and self-published work’, It’s Nice That. Available at: https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/vrints-kolsteren-graphic-design-161219 (Accessed: 2024)
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