Catalyst for Change

As previously mentioned, April Greiman was one of the first designers to utilize the Mac computer for her work. This completely changed the way that graphic design and designers were perceived by society and the uses for design. The capabilities became endless and more and more people began to see that the Macintosh wasn’t a scary new tool, but rather a fundamental one that could do much more than people could with just their hands. Now, the computer is the number one tool for graphic designers and creating things by hand may seem almost impossible to some. Adobe products have taken over and are essential to creating anything, key word anything, because there are now endless possibilities for what you can create.

Greiman also set an example to embrace newness in design. She did this not only through her advocacy for the Macintosh, but also through the very movement she was a part of. The New Wave, as stated in the name, comprised of new concepts never seen before in design. Just as postmodernism was new and different from modernism, the New Wave was different from other movements before it. When change happens, it begins small and many people are skeptical however Greiman embraced, and was a catalyst for this change. In the present day, people tend to like a change in design and going outside of the box can be crucial to even staying relevant in this world. Greiman started that through her designs and ideas.

Besides the use of the Macintosh and creating newness in design, Greiman advocated a lot for the recognition of women designers. Throughout history, men artists’ work have commonly been shown in museums and when thinking about famous artists, most people can only name men. It is important to recognize women in art and design because they are just as influential in the history, and now future of design. April was able to express care for other women designers, and in doing so was able to become one of the most influential designers herself. She also inspired many other girls and women to begin and continue their path in design.

Please please me. Any one will do! Poster for Pacific Coast Films, 1977.