It’s Hunter/Gatherer not Hunter/Gatekeeper
Short Essay coming out in a future publication2023
My life has been a series of mixing together experiences that have formed my identity. As a graphic designer, I have built my abilities by learning from many schools of process, constantly pushing my boundaries to relearn things I’ve found natural. Growing up fascinated in punk music, which began in my teenage years, has instilled in me a drive for my community, alternative tools, and my own voice. As a borderline hoarder, I have amassed an eclectic collection of items that reflect my interests, from collected ephemera, Japanese vinyl toys, vintage mopeds, and rare vinyl records. However, my fear of gatekeeping is perhaps a large calling to me. As I was coming up in my practice I found many colleagues with held learned tricks or sources to help themselves in a promotion. This feeling of exclusion has driven me to be more accepting and inclusive of others and to create spaces where everyone feels welcome. Despite the seemingly unrelated nature of these topics, they have all contributed to who I am as a person and as a professional. A common thread is an idea of using visual imagery to create a sense of identity, belonging, and ownership.
Punk rock emerged in the mid-1970s as a countercultural movement to reject mainstream values and aesthetics. It embodied a DIY ethos that extended to its visual executions. Punk flyers, posters, and album covers were often created using cut-and-paste techniques, photocopiers, and other low-cost materials. These designs were raw, unpolished, and chaotic, reflecting the punk ethos of rejecting established norms and embracing individuality. The visual language created by punk design expressed the movement's values and ideals, creating a sense of identity and belonging within the punk community.
The punk movement also embraced a culture of collecting, with many followers amassing extensive collections of low-run produced records, xerox fan zines, screen print posters, and other similar items. Music collectors are known for their passion and tendency to seek out hard-to-find relics. They scour the internet, music stores, and other sources to obtain obscure items that they can add to their collections. In fact, they often go to great lengths to acquire these rare pieces, such as trading with other collectors or even traveling to other countries to source them. This pursuit is not just about building a collection, but rather a labor of love to preserve the art and history of the movement for future generations to appreciate.
In addition to collecting, fans also created their own zines, which were self-published magazines that covered topics such as music, politics, and social issues. These zines would often include interviews with bands, reviews of albums, and articles about various aspects of punk culture. Posters were also popular among fans, with many featuring striking graphics and bold designs that helped to promote upcoming shows and events.
Overall, the obtaining of these items was just an aspect of punk culture, but not defining the movement as a whole. Collecting was a way of connecting with like-minded individuals, and small collections represented status within the culture.
Graphic design has played a key role in both punk rock and collecting culture. Punk culture was not just a style, but it was an entire movement that expressed itself through music, fashion, and art. The design was a crucial component of the punk visual language, as it reflected the values and ideals of the movement. Punk design was all about being raw, unconventional, and rebellious. It was about breaking the norms of mainstream society and creating something new and different. The punk aesthetic was characterized by bold graphics, DIY ethos, and anti-authoritarianism. It was a way of expressing individuality and challenging the status quo. In essence, punk design was about pushing boundaries and creating a cultural revolution through art and design. In collecting culture, design was more than just a way of connecting with a larger community of like-minded individuals. It was a way of expressing one's own identity and values, while also learning from the values of others. In fact, many collectors would often spend a great deal of time researching the history and cultural significance of the objects they collected, in order to better understand the movement. Additionally, design played a crucial role in shaping the way that people interacted with each other and with their environment. By studying the design choices of different cultures and time periods, collectors were able to gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experience and the ways in which people have sought to create beauty and meaning throughout history. In both cases, the design was a way of creating a personal identity.
However, the distinction between collecting, hoarding, and gatekeeping can be subtle. It's important to understand that collecting is a conscious choice made by individuals who have a genuine interest in collecting certain items. Hoarding, on the other hand, is a compulsive behavior that involves the uncontrollable accumulation of objects, often to the point of creating clutter and chaos in one's living space. Gatekeeping, similar to hoarding, involves the desire to accumulate objects, but with the added element of controlling or limiting access to those objects by others. It's crucial to recognize and respect the differences between these behaviors in order to better understand and appreciate the motivations behind them.
As a potential hoarder, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of hoarding and to create healthier alternatives to collecting physical media. For example, we can create shareable digital storage that allows for the same sense of collecting while being able to share with future admirers of similar interests.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that graphic design, punk rock, and collecting share a common thread. These things we absorb and surround ourselves with shape our identity, and give us a home of our choosing.
Graphic design, for instance, can create a language that speaks to a particular subculture or community, like punk rock often using a do-it-yourself aesthetic that pushes unconventional or anti-establishment messaging. Similarly, your collection can be seen as a form of visual expression, as individuals surround themselves with objects that reflect their personalities and interests.
Ultimately, the power of visual imagery to shape our sense of self and community is awesome.
Remember, don’t be a jerk and share what you have.