Comedic Models for Creative Conceptualization
Michael Berger, MFA
Professor and Author of the Graphic Design + Visual Experience Program at California Baptist University
Owner of Michael Berger Creative
USA
Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 3:00 pm LA Time (USA)
Within the creative field, the “idea” reigns supreme. It is the currency in our fields—the ability to connect the unconnected. The creative person presents ideas to an audience in a manner that the audience will react accordingly. They use models of incongruity, hierarchy, and many techniques and principles to portray their ideas on a subject matter. Nowhere can we also see this as a comedic endeavor.
The comedian lives on words and ideas to portray their ideas and thoughts—with instant feedback. The joke or story is their vehicle. They must account for context, venue, timing, and audience expectations. If one of these elements is not accounted for, then disaster ensues. This is a responsibility that is not for the faint of heart. One misstep and their career is over.
For these reasons, there is a strong connection between the different creative disciplines to understand the comedic models explored within my proposed book, Comedic Models for Creative Thinkers: A Guide for Conceptualization and Creative Ideation. I want to formalize the models that we now use organically.
These models are found in the billion-dollar industry of advertising, television, and other industries that inspire large audiences. In this book, I will extrapolate these formulas for examples. Diagram the examples, explore their origins, and build tools to help generate creative ideas from using them.
This talk is a conversation of the principles explored in this upcoming book.
Webinar Contents
Introduction
Sarah Meyer
UDA Vice President
USA
Presentation
Michael Berger
Professor and Author of the Graphic Design + Visual Experience Program at California Baptist University
Owner of Michael Berger Creative
USA
Discussion with all attendees
Final Remark by Mediator
About Presenter
Michael Berger is a full professor and author of the Graphic Design + Visual Experience Program at California Baptist University. The program is the largest design program in its market segment and a national award-winning program. His career spans 34 years across professional agency work and 15 years of education. He owns a boutique agency, Michael Berger Creative, that services a small client roster informing his classroom instruction.
His professional work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal and other publications, and his student work has garnered national awards, notably in the American Advertising Awards. He recently published The Darwin Curve, a fictional novel about the world of genetics, artificial intelligence, and the human condition.
His interest in comedy’s ability to enhance creative conceptualization was borne out of his MFA studies at California State University, Fullerton, with Professor John Drew. The work is an effort to externalize processes that creative practitioners have internalized. The models presented here are offered as tools for creative ideation.
In keeping with the UDA mission of celebrating global awareness and providing educational and professional opportunities in communication design, UDA offers webinars, one of many activities to develop our design awareness in society and culture.
