SFUAD Faculty Member Maggie Macnab Authors Design by Nature: Using Universal Forms and Principles in Design
12.22.2011
Media Contact:
Maria Alexandra Velez
1-505-473-6682
maria.velez@santafeuniversity.edu
Santa Fe, N.M.—December 22, 2011—Maggie Macnab, a professor at Santa Fe University of Art and Design, is the author of the recently published Design by Nature: Using Universal Forms and Principles in Design (Peachpit Press, 2011). Macnab’s second book about design theory, Design by Nature explores the use of nature’s universal patterns, shapes and processes as effective strategies for design. Her first book was the critically acclaimed, award-winning Decoding Design: Understanding and Using Symbols in Visual Communication (F+W, 2008).
“Maggie has the ability to recognize and describe design’s fundamental principles in a way that most contemporary designers are unable to do,” said David Grey, chair of the university’s Graphic Design Department. “She appreciates the richness of simplicity and the need for designers to be socially and morally engaged. Maggie genuinely complements our department’s mission to teach graphic design as contemplative art.”
Written for designers and creative thinkers, Design by Nature provides insights on the relationships between nature, art, science, technology and design. Along with learning objectives, definitions and practical exercises, the book includes discussions of practice and process by some of the world’s leading designers, including Milton Glaser, Stefan Sagmeister and Ellen Lupton. It also features profiles of street artist Banksy, creative director and author Kenya Hara and typographical designer Erik Spiekermann.
“I wrote Design by Nature to elevate our awareness of nature and its elegant and effective problem-solving process,” said Macnab. “Nature contains a language common to us all and is our oldest source of meaning. When we understand nature, we understand how to emulate its no-waste process—whether designing systems, products or communications.”
Maggie Macnab is a designer, educator and author. Her work has been recognized in the magazines Communication Arts, Print and Step-by-Step Graphics, as well as several books about international design. Her honors include a National ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation, an International ECO Award from the National Resources Defense Council and awards from the New York Art Directors Club. She provides customized workshops for professionals about integrating symbolism into effective visual communication, and she has taught logo design and symbolism as visual literacy for designers. At Santa Fe University, she teaches what she calls “design experience” as opposed to design theory. She is past president of the nonprofit organization Communication Artists of New Mexico and the founder of Macnab Design.
Santa Fe University’s Graphic Design Department approaches graphic design as both contemplative art and professional practice, giving students the opportunity to learn the digital tools, craftsmanship, history and theory they need to embark on a successful professional path.
About Santa Fe University of Art and Design
Santa Fe University of Art and Design, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, provides a unique interdisciplinary curriculum that combines practical experience with core theory to prepare graduates to become well-rounded, creative problem-solving professionals. SFUAD offers a small-size class environment led by faculty members who are practicing artists, passionate about education and committed to involving students in meaningful projects beginning in their freshman year. The curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, passion and outstanding performance in contemporary music, creative writing, performing arts, art, graphic design, moving image arts (filmmaking and video production), and photography. With its diverse international student body and opportunities to study abroad, SFUAD encourages students to develop a global perspective on the arts. The city of Santa Fe also offers an international artistic experience as one of the world’s leading centers for art and design, home to thousands of artists working in all media. The university has recently launched Artists for Positive Social Change, a yearlong series of events, curricula, lectures and performances that explore one high-profile issue or genre; during the 2011–2012 academic year, the program focuses on hip hop as a major influence on today’s culture and social fabric. For more information, visit www.santafeuniversity.edu.
Santa Fe University of Art and Design (formerly the College of Santa Fe) is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.
