Research On Possible Theme - Ephemera

An idea for my essay is to explore why people are attracted to ephemera, why they collect it and how this relates to Graphic Design. 

ephemera
/ɪˈfɛm(ə)rə,ɪˈfiːm(ə)rə/
 Learn to pronounce
noun
plural noun: ephemera; noun: ephemerum
things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time.
"there were papers, letters, old boxes—all sorts of ephemera"
collectable items that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity.
"Mickey Mouse ephemera"

The basic definition of ephemera is objects that are designed to be used for a short period of time but what's also interesting about the definition is that these can be collectable items too which opens the doors to another theme - the idea of collecting and why people do it. 

https://ephemeracorner.com/2019/01/25/so-you-want-to-know-more-about-ephemera/

"For example, when we go to the theater we receive tickets, watch the movie, and then throw the ticket out. That’s pretty normal! The reason ephemera is important, or holds value, is because some of us hold onto those items over a longer period of time, making them increase in worth."

• The idea of ephemera only becoming important once the user decides to hold onto the items for a period of time is interesting as this suggests a very direct and important relationship between the user and the design since they can make it a valued collectable.
• This applies to collectable items that have been kept for decades - people are interesting and would pay alot of money to purchase a mundane object from decades ago that doesn't have any use today as it's a connection to history made by someone just keeping something.

"Another reason so many are drawn to collecting ephemera is because of what they can create through recycling it. Today, many find interest in making journals out of vintage pieces of ephemera. There are countless videos on YouTube about how to make a “junk journal” from pieces of ephemera. Shadow boxes are also a fun way to display the ephemera that you have collected yourself or have found laying around your house"

• Suggesting that designers and artists may actively collect ephemera as a basis for their creations. 
• Can explore why ephemera is used actively in creative outlets - is it the connection to history or is it much more personal?

https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/david-levine

Designer that collects ephemera and archives it as reference for other designers.

https://www.biblio.com/book-collecting/what-to-collect/ephemera/ephemera-what-is-it-and-who-wants-it/

Collecting Ephemera: materials that lend themselves to thematic collections include documents, letters, booklets, brochures, pamphlets, billheads, ledgers, scrapbooks, photographs, maps and a myriad of other items.

"For decades those who write about or describe ephemera have attempted to come up with a simple definition, only to find themselves threading a maze of etymology and entomology. The word derives from the Greek hemera (day) and implies something that lasts for a day, the life of the mayfly often used as an example. Most efforts fall back on the definition put forth by Maurice Rickards, “the minor transient documents of everyday life.” But even Rickards, whose Encyclopedia of Ephemera is the most frequently cited resource, nor the 40 or so experts who helped to complete the volume after his untimely death, have been happy with it."

• Defining ephemera - why is this such a difficult word to come to a conclusion about and why has the word's meaning itself been researched so much?
• The idea that exploring the word leads to etymology - the idea that the word ephemera and its purpose has changed over the years. This could be to do with how ephemera used to convey new design in the past such as postcards from decades ago being classified as "retro" or "vintage" and now postcards can just be "nostalgic." 
• The definition by Maurice Rickards emphasises the idea that ephemera is just mundane objects however this doesn't acknowlegde the collectable element of it such as the value of authentic music/festival posters from years ago and them being sold on ebay now.

"Collectors fall into two groups: those who collect objects and those who collect based on subject." 

• Collecting objects can be vague such as just keeping an autograph but then this can become much more specific by constantly collecting signed autographs from the same person.

The theme of ephemera overall is really interesting as it also branches out into themes such as nostalgia and collectables but these may be broad enough to just be explored themselves as ephemera itself can act as both a small link/result of these themes.