America's Top Graphic Designer

Is this for real? A new reality show to find America’s top graphic designer? I can’t determine if Hollywood has run out of ideas for reality shows or that graphic designers are actually just as inspiring as pop singers, models and dancers. I never thought the design profession was all that glamorous and sexy to begin with, but I’m beginning to notice it more in mainstream media on shows such as Mad Men and The Office. I know Mad Men is about ad agencies, but they do have designers that create the artwork and Pam Beasley is not a designer, but rather aspires to be one.

This show may be exciting for some graphic designers, but for everyone else this show could be a real bore. How exciting can it be to watch a group of designers battle it out in front of their macs—clicking away furiously in Photoshop or Illustrator while plugged into their iPods. What drama can we expect? Someone using the wrong font or not making sure the print settings were correct before hitting the button? Gasp, how dare they!

Should we expect judges like Simon, Paula and Randy? I think most designers can find similar personalities in their design professors. What about voting by text message? Can the viewers choose their favorites? It seems there are “auditions” that will be held across the country. Will we get to see the William Hung of designers that don’t make the cut then?

Too bad I can’t try out. Guess I’ll have to wait for the Canadian version if this one takes off.