In the latest episode of “Design Education Talks” from the New Art School, we were delighted to welcome Ellen Lupton, a multifaceted professional who is not only a writer and designer but also an educator, former museum curator, internet personality, and a keen home baker. Throughout the discussion, Ellen provided us with insightful reflections on the evolving world of design education, her career, and her latest projects.
Integrating Diverse Design Traditions
Ellen has recently published the third edition of her seminal work, Thinking with Type, which first appeared in 2004. This new edition addresses the significant changes in the design landscape over the past two decades, both in terms of societal shifts and Ellen’s personal growth. The revised edition challenges previous conventions by incorporating a variety of global writing systems, although it remains primarily focused on Latin-based typography. This approach mirrors her teaching ethos at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, where a diverse body of international students engages with design education through a predominantly English and Latin typographic lens.
Teaching Adaptations in Modern Design Education
Reflecting on her teaching methods, Ellen notes a shift from her early days of embracing critical theory to a more hands-on approach that aligns with contemporary students’ preferences and the realities of modern design education. Historically, design education frameworks were heavily influenced by movements such as Bauhaus and postmodernism, which championed both rigid methodologies and rebellious creativity. Today, Ellen emphasises the importance of providing students with structured methods that guide them through the design process, rather than leaving them to navigate complex projects without a clear methodology.
The Evolving Challenges in Design Education
Ellen also touched upon the challenges that current design students face, including the rapid evolution of digital tools and the economic barriers associated with proprietary software like the Adobe Creative Suite. She expressed concern over the affordability of design education and tools, which can be prohibitive and potentially deter talented individuals from pursuing a career in design.
A Vision for the Future of Design Education
When discussing the ideal future of design education, Ellen advocated for making education freely accessible to all, a sentiment that highlights the discrepancies between the ideal and the reality, particularly in the United States where the cost of education remains high. She envisages a more inclusive and community-oriented approach to design education, one that breaks down barriers and integrates more practical, collaborative spaces reminiscent of the Bauhaus workshop model.
Engaging with Ellen Lupton
Ellen Lupton remains an active voice in the design community, not only through her teaching and books but also via platforms like Instagram, where she extends her educational reach through engaging content. Her works, particularly the latest edition of Thinking with Type, continue to serve as essential resources for students and professionals alike.
Concluding Advice
Ellen’s parting advice for educators is to engage directly with the projects they assign, ensuring they understand and demonstrate the processes they expect their students to undertake. For students, she stresses the importance of curiosity and encourages them to draw inspiration from a broad spectrum of historical and cultural sources, beyond the immediate trends prevalent on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram.
This conversation not only highlighted the depth of Ellen Lupton’s expertise but also her commitment to evolving with and contributing to the broader discourse of design education, making it an enlightening session for listeners and viewers of the New Art School’s “Design Education Talks.”
The New Art School 