Roy Sharples
Jan 25, 2021
Updated: Dec 30, 2023
In the realm of creativity, where imagination intersects with purpose, Professor Malcolm Garrett MBE RDI stands as a luminary whose legacy stretches across four decades. A maestro of graphic design, Garrett's portfolio is a testament to the seamless blend of art and science that defines the discipline. His work, ranging from iconic music album covers to cutting-edge digital projects, underscores the profound impact design wields on society.
At the heart of Garrett's philosophy lies a manifesto—a guiding light for aspiring designers navigating the ever-evolving landscape of graphic design. This manifesto is a call to arms, urging creative minds to embrace the symbiosis of imagination, ingenuity, empathy, divergent thinking, and the power to manifest.
Malcolm Garrett fronting the Buzzcocks "Orgasm Addict" record sleeve that he co-designed with British artist Linder Sterling.
Design, at its core, is a voyage into the uncharted realms of imagination. Garrett beckons designers to embark on this journey with the curiosity of a child, to see the unseen and conjure magic from the mundane. Immerse yourself in the creative process, he advises, allowing ideas to germinate organically. Malcolm Garrett's methodology transcends the conventional, urging creators to let their daydreams and imagination flourish into tangible works of art.
Malcolm's design for the front cover of Buzzcocks "What Do I Get?"
Fearlessly breaking barriers, Garrett champions a DIY ethos that resonates in every stroke of his designs. He advocates for independence, adaptability, and resilience, urging designers to carve their path. Reject the banal, challenge the status quo, and cultivate an authentic voice. To Garrett, luck is a product of seizing opportunities, not happenstance.
Malcolm's design for the back cover of Buzzcocks "What Do I Get?"
Beyond aesthetics, Garrett champions a socially conscious design that holds itself accountable for its impact on the world. Authentic designers, in his view, must care deeply about the environment, inclusivity, and the betterment of society. Design is not a solitary endeavor; it's a bridge connecting messages to audiences.
A youthful Malcolm at work.
In the realm of creative thinking, Garrett exhorts designers to approach problems in unconventional ways. Think fluidly, be spontaneous, and generate multiple solutions. The beauty of creativity lies in the unexpected connections, the lateral leaps that redefine the problem and its solutions.
"What Do I Get?: 40 years of Buzzcocks and the art of Malcolm Garrett." poster for an exhibition celebrating Malcolm's distinct artwork at the Noho Showrooms in London.
Design is not just about aesthetics; it's a manifestation of the designer's inner world. Garrett emphasizes the power of connections, urging designers to draw inspiration from diverse sources. By weaving past and present, disparate ideas coalesce into innovative solutions.
Malcolm's design for Simple Minds' critically acclaimed album, "New Gold Dream."
In the grand mosaic of design, Malcolm Garrett's manifesto serves as a beacon, guiding designers to navigate the intricate interplay of art and science. As we embark on this journey, let imagination be our compass, empathy our anchor, and divergent thinking our vehicle toward a future shaped by design's transformative power.
Listen to the podcast
Music composed and performed by Iain Mutch
Twitter @malcolmgarrett
Instagram @beingmalcolmgarrett
Website www.malcolmgarrett.com
Design Manchester www.designmcr.com
Creator
Roy Sharples
Founder and CEO of Unknown Origins Creative Studios, is in the fight against unoriginality by unleashing creative bravery. Author of "Creativity Without Frontiers: How to make the invisible visible by lighting the way into the future."
Photo credit: Brian Smale
Attitude. Imagination. Execution.
Unknown Origins Creative Studios. All rights reserved © copyright 2021