The Deaf Designer: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing New Technologies in Graphic Design
Who is The Deaf Designer?
Themba, also known as The Deaf Designer, is a graphic designer from Africa who is redefining what it means to be a designer. Despite being deaf, Themba has found success in the graphic design industry by embracing new technologies and challenging societal norms.
Graphic Design in the Digital Age
As a visual communication specialist, Themba has a unique perspective on the ever-evolving world of graphic design. He believes that the field is becoming increasingly broad, with new technologies and innovations constantly changing what is possible.
Themba believes that the increased access to digital art equipment, such as graphic tablets, has given rise to new forms of graphic design and has changed the way designers approach their work. The shift from print to digital media has also led to a need for graphics that are simple, flat, and easy to use on websites and apps.
The rise of web 3 and the promise of the Metaverse has opened up new possibilities for graphic designers, with a growing demand for new forms of art such as NFTs. Meanwhile, advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence have allowed computers to take on tasks that were once done manually by designers, leading to a need for designers to adapt and develop new skills.
The Role of Visual Designers
The need to create designs that impact people’s experiences has given rise to a lightly different Graphic Designer called a “Visual Designer.” These designers focus more on digital design and less on print in order to enhance the digital experience of the users through User Interface and User Experience design (UI and UX). On the other hand, the competition against the machines means that designers must nurture their abilities to identify and analyse problems around them in order to develop innovative solutions for them in a human way. Innovate or die! They say.
Challenges for African Graphic Designers
Despite the rapid changes in the industry, Themba believes that the African continent is still lagging behind in terms of adoption and access to new technologies. He believes that many communities on the continent still lack access to basics like electricity, which limits their ability to take advantage of innovations in the field.
Conclusion
Despite these challenges, Themba remains optimistic about the future of graphic design in Africa. He encourages young designers to embrace new technologies and to challenge societal norms in order to find success in the industry. As a deaf designer, he is a testament to the fact that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
I am discovering me. Figuring out who it is that I want to be. Flowetic at times, poetic though my lines won't always rhyme. Beyond a star, although never a mime. I am kind, I'm ambitious, self-driven and free-spirited shoo-in. I have followed, flipped heads from tails, now I'm ready to lead. Ready to heed to my calling.
Inspired to explore my creative nature, through interacting and learning about the different forms of art. Living in the present and excited for the future. My focus right now is void of credentials, I choose potential~Kinetically, it's what makes us influential.
Maverick Kabelo is the founder and editorial director of Africa’s Very Own Magazine. Kabelo is a business student, digital media enthusiast/entrepreneur, creative, writer and content creator. He started writing when he was just 16 after founding the magazine on Facebook.
