FUTURE: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF GRAPHIC DESIGN LOOK LIKE?

I’m excited because (we) Gen Z and Gen Alphas are crazy,” Jas says with much gusto. “I hope things aren’t as formulaic because, working with millennial or boomer bosses, they have this mindset that what isn’t broken shouldn’t be fixed. We’re always trying to give them a fresh perspective, but they’re not very open to that. Once we’re in charge, that’s gonna change.”

Jena sees positive change on the horizon as well. “I like that there’s this ongoing shift of using digital software to express ourselves, like through personal posters and artworks. ‘Di na siya kulong sa corporate, and I see ourselves continuing that.” She also notices the increasing value in graphic design and more doors being opened because of it.

Meanwhile, Ram, who lives in California, desires for more inclusivity. “I’m hoping the future is less white. Less straight. Less cis. I want it to be more expressive. Less design. More art.” He goes on to say that graphic design is fun and hopes more people get into it. “I think accessibility is great, and if everybody can do it, that’s awesome.” This derives from his own rise to fame. “I was thinking the other day, ‘I designed something a couple years ago and now that design is making me able to live on my own.’ It’s kind of insane to think about. Things that were just jumbling in my brain were put to paper and onscreen. I’m really grateful for where I’m at.”

Jo has taken part in fostering the future of Filipino design through Type63 (@type63_), a platform highlighting and celebrating Filipino typography, which, as the founder, she considers to be her baby. “The thing that made Type63 happen wasn’t me; it was everyone else who contributed to it and volunteered their time, voices and efforts. Seeing it suddenly have a life of its own makes me very happy. ‘Yun ang pinakarewarding sa akin: na may drive ng mga tao to claim it as their own community as well.”

With this unique perspective, Jo envisions the future to be intentional. “People are more conscious of the elements they use in their designs. I see it in my students, in the people who submit work to Type63, in the younger designers, (and) the designers of my generation. We are now not just using whatever we find online, but we’re actually more intentional with our choices. I hope it grows and develops more in that direction.”