My background was in graphic design, but when I was doing it, it

"My background was in graphic design, but when I was doing it, it was all hand-drawn stuff, not computers." – Jeffrey Dean Morgan

In the ever-shifting tide of human progress, there is a constant tension between the old and the new, between tradition and innovation. The words of Jeffrey Dean Morgan reflect this delicate balance, a recognition of the roots from which we come, even as we stand on the threshold of new possibilities. Graphic design, once a craft shaped by the careful hand of the artist, has undergone a revolution in the digital age. Yet, Morgan's reflection serves as a reminder of a time when every line drawn, every design created, was imbued with the soul of the artist—each stroke of the pencil or brush an expression of human creativity. Before the rise of computers, design was an intimate, personal process, shaped by the artist's vision and skill.

The ancients understood the value of craftsmanship and the importance of the human hand in creation. Consider the story of Phidias, the master sculptor of ancient Greece, whose work on the Parthenon remains a symbol of unparalleled artistic skill and dedication. His sculptures were not born of machines or tools that could automate the process; they were crafted with care and precision, each chisel mark a testament to his vision and understanding of the human form. Just as Phidias shaped stone into art, so too did early graphic designers mold paper and ink, their tools often as simple as the hand that wielded them. Morgan’s words evoke this ancient tradition, where every piece of art was born from human effort, guided by the artist’s innate ability to see and create.

In the same way, Leonardo da Vinci, a polymath of the highest order, relied not on machines but on his own hands to craft the incredible designs and inventions that changed the world. Da Vinci’s notebooks are filled with sketches, drawn with a master’s eye, capturing the beauty of the natural world and the mechanics of the human body. His work, much like that of early graphic designers, was born from a deep connection between mind and hand, a reflection of the artist’s inner vision brought into reality through the tactile act of creation. The craftsmanship of these ancient masters was not simply about the tools they used, but about their ability to imbue their work with their vision and spirit. In this sense, the hand-drawn designs of Morgan’s early work reflect a continuity with the past—a commitment to the act of creation as a personal, human endeavor.

Yet, as the digital age unfolded, the tools of creation evolved. Just as steam engines replaced the work of human laborers in the Industrial Revolution, so too did computers come to dominate the world of graphic design. The advent of digital tools revolutionized the industry, making it easier to produce designs at a faster rate and with greater precision. But, as Morgan acknowledges, the soul of design is not in the speed or efficiency of the tools, but in the hands and mind of the artist. The human touch, that spark of creativity, remains at the heart of all great design, whether it is drawn by hand or crafted with the aid of machines.

This transition from hand-drawn to digital design mirrors the transitions seen throughout history. In the days of alchemy, humans sought to turn base metals into gold, and in the process, they laid the groundwork for the future of science. Similarly, graphic design evolved from the manual processes of old to the high-tech world of today, but it was not without cost. The human element in creation—what makes something deeply personal and expressive—is often lost in the speed and convenience of modern technology. While computers may aid in the production of a design, they cannot replace the human heart and mind that drives it. Morgan’s reflection reminds us that the tools we use to create must always be guided by a deeper understanding of purpose and meaning.

In our own time, we must remember that while technology gives us unprecedented access to tools, it is our creativity and vision that will define the impact of our work. Just as the ancient craftsmen and artists poured their soul into their creations, we too must bring our humanity to the table, whether we are working with digital tools or traditional media. The key is not to become lost in the technology itself, but to use it as a means to express the very essence of our ideas and dreams. Morgan’s words urge us to remember the value of craftsmanship and the importance of maintaining a personal connection to the work we create, no matter how advanced the tools may become.

Let us, therefore, embrace the digital age, but let us not forget the lessons of the past. The human spirit—our creativity, vision, and artistry—remains the true heart of all that we create. Whether we use pens, brushes, or computers, the soul of the artist is what gives life to the work. As we continue to evolve in this digital age, let us ensure that we never lose sight of the human element in our creations, just as the great artists of the past have taught us. Hand-drawn or digital, it is the mind and heart behind the work that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.