The history of art is a story of evolution over time—but can you imagine a future without art or graphic design?
In this article, we’ll explore some scenarios that could lead to the disappearance of graphic design and creativity. Will graphic design really vanish? Why? What could the future hold?
Is the death of graphic design possible?
From a theoretical standpoint, let’s start with a thought experiment: what could actually cause graphic design to disappear?
The end of civilization
In a sense, if civilization were to collapse, graphic design might disappear too—but only with the last of us. As long as there’s a thinking mind, creativity will survive.
Of course, whether the last person on Earth would have the time or desire to express creativity is another matter. In such circumstances, creative pursuits might not be high on the priority list.
One thing about the end of the world: life gets simpler. The focus shifts to finding shelter, securing food, staying healthy, and surviving at all costs.
Without a nine-to-five job and with all basic needs met (at least until supplies run out), maybe that last person would have time to leave a bit of creative art behind—something like “Randy was here.”
Homogenization
Another possible scenario is the total homogenization of the planet for evolutionary reasons.
If every process became completely standardized and protocol-driven, it would be hard for graphic design to survive.
I’m talking about a future that’s mind-numbingly dull—no surprises, no excitement.
It’s tough to picture such a world, since graphic design is a source of creativity for consumers and, by extension, for advertisers. The only way this could happen is in a fully automated society, where we’re nothing more than worker bees in a vast system. Maybe we’d all be eating “soylent green” like Charlton Heston—and by the way, according to the movie poster, that’s just three years away…
SOYLENT GREEN, standing center in black beret: Edward G. Robinson, 1973
Prohibition
The last theoretical possibility that comes to mind is an authoritarian scenario: some tyrant seizes control and bans all forms of creative expression—a mashup of every dictator in history.
In this case, graphic design would be wiped out by force, with enough enforcers to make sure creativity is punished and suppressed.
The rise of the machines
If Skynet ever takes over, all of the above scenarios could come true at once. In that world, design and creativity would be left to the resistance.
If you’re reading this, you are the resistance.
The resistance
Wondering how to keep design and creativity alive? Here are a few tips:
- Never let anyone make you doubt your creative abilities.
- Take every opportunity to create something new.
- Question everything—stay critical.
- Practice with anything and everything; any moment is a good time to be creative.
Conclusions:
Time to wake up from this nightmare.
Graphic design will never die. It’s part of our genetic heritage, imprinted in our DNA—from the earliest humans who probably drew phallic symbols on cave walls, to today, where progress gives graphic design ever more power and presence in society.