Designer of the decade, self-taught?

 
I found it incredibly fascinating that one of the most influential designers alive today was predominantly self taught.   David Carson, who has a degree in Sociology and previously worked as a teacher and professional surfer, revolutionized print layout.  It seems fitting that he got his start with about a decade art directing at a series of Surf, Skate and Music oriented magazines followed by his tenure at Ray Gun.  He had no fear of breaking convention, and perhaps his lack of formal training was a large part of this mindset, or at least avoided breaking him of it.

In 2003 David gave this enjoyable TED talk which gives a glimpse into his way of thinking and sense of humor and random musings on some of his life experiences.  He also discusses some of his more interesting projects, including printing an entire article in the font Dingbats because he felt it was boring, his book The End of Print, and others.  

Carson began to get quite a bit of publicity during the 1990s, and increasing controversy surrounded his work.  He threw the idea of prioritizing legibility out the window and emphasized personal expression, tossing the grid format in favor of a more kinetic and spatial arrangement.  Type frequently overlapped, was cut off, upside down or backwards.  His layouts were almost always inspired by the subject matter.  My favorite quote from Carson is captured in the following page spread which he featured in his TED talk, "Don't mistake legibility for communication".  And I think this motto really summarizes his impact on the world of Graphic Design.

Resources:
http://www.davidcarsondesign.com
"David Carson on design + discovery". TED
Book - Meggs' History of Graphic Design, 5th Edition - Wiley