In this episode, I talk with Mitch Goldstein about his new book How to be a Design Student (And How to Teach Them). We discuss what it was like to not only design a book, but also write one; whether a formal design education or learning online is better; and we dive into familiar education topics like grading and critiques while also discussing topics like active curiosity, agency, pulling, and what it means to be a tourist, traveler, and citizen.
If you have followed Mitch Goldstein on Twitter, then you know the knowledge and humor he brings to the subject. Above is a teaser of that conversation. In typical Mitch fashion, he doesn’t shy away from saying what he thinks.
I wrote a short, informal review of the book. If you are currently a student, teacher, or are just interested in reinvigorating your curiosity, this is a great book.
My review:
I found it to be such a refreshing take on a “design” book.
It doesn’t really center around the technical or theoretical aspects of design. There are no pictures (well except for the amusing and insightful Venn diagrams). There are no references to famous dead or living designers. There are no tutorials or tricks for using the latest design software.
Instead it attempts to (re)frame how students AND teachers can approach design education (and beyond). Some topics are expected like the critique, collaboration, and grades; while others illuminate lesser known aspects like agency, pulling, and tourist vs traveler vs citizen. Although it is for design students, a lot of the topics easily apply to students in general.
I am assigning this book in my Introduction to Graphic Design class this quarter. I am hopeful the book will spur interesting conversations and help both the students and myself approach the classroom with a new agency.
