During the Industrial Revolution, ornament was often seen as a sign of wealth and status. The new mass production techniques made it possible to produce ornamental objects at a much lower cost than before, but these objects were still often out of reach for the working class.
In the Victorian Era, ornament became even more popular, as people sought to escape the ugliness and pollution of the Industrial Revolution by surrounding themselves with beautiful things. Ornament was also used to express social status and morality. For example, people who could afford to decorate their homes with elaborate ornaments were seen as being successful and respectable.
The Arts and Crafts movement was a reaction to the excesses of the Victorian Era. Arts and Crafts designers believed that ornament should be simple and functional, and that it should be made by hand using traditional methods. They rejected the mass-produced ornamental objects of the Industrial Revolution, and instead sought to create objects that were both beautiful and useful.
2. Does the use of ornament have any significance in social or class status for the people living during this time period? Explain with specific references to the text and/or videos.
Yes, the use of ornament did have significance in social or class status for the people living during this time period. As mentioned above, ornament was often seen as a sign of wealth and status. People who could afford to decorate their homes and clothing with elaborate ornaments were seen as being successful and respectable.
In the text, Sean Adams mentions that “ornament was often used to create a sense of luxury and sophistication.” He also mentions that “ornament could also be used to express social status and morality.”
In the video, Adams shows examples of Victorian Era clothing that is heavily ornamented with lace, embroidery, and other decorative elements. He explains that this type of clothing was only affordable for the wealthy.
3. Do you think ornament is an essential part of graphic design or is it just decoration with no purpose? Not a one word answer…back up your answers with specific examples of ornament in graphic design from the text.)
Whether or not ornament is an essential part of graphic design is a matter of opinion. Some people believe that ornament is simply decoration with no purpose, while others believe that it can be used to create a sense of beauty, luxury, and sophistication.
In the text, Theo Inglis mentions that “ornament can be used to add visual interest and appeal to a design.” He also mentions that “ornament can be used to communicate meaning and emotion.”
Inglis gives the example of a wedding invitation that is decorated with ornate floral patterns. He explains that the ornament in this case is not simply decoration, but rather it is used to communicate the meaning of the occasion and the emotion of joy.
Another example of ornament in graphic design is the use of decorative borders and frames. These elements can be used to add visual interest and to create a sense of formality.
Ultimately, whether or not ornament is an essential part of graphic design is up to the individual designer. However, it is important to consider the purpose of the design and the audience when deciding whether or not to use ornament.
4. What is your personal opinion? Is it frivolous or beautifying? And use specific examples (of graphic design) you encounter from your life experience to back up your statements.
My personal opinion is that ornament can be both frivolous and beautifying, depending on how it is used. If ornament is used simply to decorate without any purpose, then I believe it is frivolous. However, if ornament is used to create a sense of beauty, luxury, sophistication, or to communicate meaning and emotion, then I believe it can be a valuable part of graphic design.
One example of ornament in graphic design that I find beautifying is the use of decorative typography. I enjoy seeing how designers can use different fonts and type treatments to create visually appealing and meaningful designs.
Another example of ornament in graphic design that I find beautifying is the use of illustration. I appreciate the creativity and skill that goes into creating beautiful illustrations.
However, I have also seen examples of ornament in graphic design that I find to be frivolous. For example, I have seen some designs that are so heavily ornamented that they are difficult to read or understand. I have also seen some designs that use ornament in a way that is clichéd or unoriginal.
In conclusion, I believe that ornament can be a valuable part of graphic design, but it is important to use it sparingly and thoughtfully.
