I'm a big believer in the emotion of design, and the message that's sent before somebody begins to read, before they get the rest of the information; what is the emotional response they get to the product, to the story, to the painting - whatever it is.

David Carson’s quote emphasizes the importance of the emotion that design evokes, even before the viewer or consumer engages with the actual content. He believes that the emotional response triggered by a product, story, or artwork plays a crucial role in how it is perceived. For Carson, design is not just about function or aesthetics; it is about the feeling it elicits in the viewer, shaping their initial reaction before they dive deeper into the details.

The quote reflects Carson’s view that design is inherently tied to communication, where the emotional impact often precedes the intellectual or informational one. This perspective is rooted in the idea that people connect with visuals on an instinctual level, and that these immediate emotions can influence their understanding and interpretation of the product or artwork. For him, the message of design is more than what is explicitly conveyed; it’s about how it feels to the audience.

As a renowned graphic designer, Carson’s work has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional design principles, often focusing on the rawness and emotional power of his designs. His approach to design challenges the conventional emphasis on clarity and order, suggesting instead that design’s primary role is to evoke an emotional reaction. This philosophy has made him a major influence in the design world, particularly in the realm of typography and visual communication.

The origin of this quote lies in David Carson’s exploration of how design communicates on a subconscious level. As a prominent designer for publications like Ray Gun, Carson’s radical use of typography and layout often prioritized emotional impact over readability or convention. His belief in the emotion of design reflects his broader design philosophy, which encourages a more intuitive and feeling-driven approach to visual expression.