MARIAM DIAKITE

MARIAM DIAKITE

she/her/hers

Design Major

Hi! I’m Mariam Diakite, an Ivorian-American designer and student from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Throughout my education, I have learned traditional design approaches, but have found myself excited to break these rules when possible. Design that feels human and a reflection of real culture is what moves me!

Designers Unplugged

In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary life, where technology permeates every facet of existence, the field of graphic design stands as a crucible of innovation and adaptation. Throughout my education, I have found myself conflicted on what my future design practice would look like. On one hand, I found design through my love of art, culture, and experimentation, but on the other hand (to put it bluntly) I want to make money. For a while this seemed impossible, but over the years, I have come across many designers who have found a balance between industry and artistry. My thesis project seeks to explore the delicate balance between professional expectations and artistic integrity within the design industry. Through a series of in-depth interviews with prominent figures in the design industry, I aim to unravel the intricacies of their creative processes, shedding light on how they reconcile the demands of a hyper-tech world with the pursuit of authentic expression.

 

The resulting compilation, in both book and website formats, will serve as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of contemporary graphic designers. By delving into their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, this project aims to illuminate the pathways that lead to harmonious synthesis between the demands of modernity and the timeless essence of artistic vision. Through these narratives, I seek not only to celebrate the diversity of creative approaches but also to inspire future generations of designers to navigate the ever-shifting currents of technology with grace, purpose, and unwavering authenticity. Each section of the book feels different from the next, this is because each designer is so different and unique creatively, and their portion reflects that. Their individual spreads are my take on their creative influence.