About the lab

The distinction between physical and digital manipulation in graphic design is not merely a matter of medium but of control, authenticity, and creative intent. Physical manipulation—through analog techniques like hand-drawing, collage, or printmaking—demands an intimate engagement with materials, where imperfections and unpredictability become intrinsic to the design. This tactile process fosters a sense of craftsmanship often lost in digital workflows.

Digital manipulation, while offering precision, efficiency, and infinite reversibility, risks detachment from the creative process, favoring automation and algorithmic assistance over organic intuition. The reliance on digital tools can lead to homogenization, where designs become optimized for speed rather than originality. However, the interplay between both methods is where innovation thrives—leveraging digital efficiency without sacrificing the depth and authenticity of physical artistry. The challenge for designers is not just choosing a medium but critically navigating the intersection of the two, ensuring that technology serves creativity rather than dictates it.