Positive Design for Positive Change
Filed Under Entrepreneurs with a Conscience |
Why do you do what you do? Myself, I am drawn to graphic design because I am an advocate for positive change; I believe that can be an underlying drive for pretty much any job. I try to align myself with projects that will contribute to better things and it makes me feel good to know I’ve made a difference in my own creative way.
In a single ad campaign (or any other form of design), designers can create awareness about a social issue, promote healthy living, inform or educate, fundamentally creating change – and a positive one, at that. What power! It can be harnessed and used to do so much good if we make conscious choices and become aware of the impact we create on the world around us.
Design can also take on forms that are very superficial and manipulative, to only increase the size of someone’s bank account, so we must be careful in how we utilize this great power. Yes, of course, everyone wants to have fat bank accounts – but not at the cost of something meaningless or hurtful.
We designers are at the forefront of change. We are the beginnings of fresh ideas, new ways of thinking, and have the ability to really make waves. Whether we realize it or not, people make decisions based on our designs.
No matter what you do for a living, your decisions also have an impact on the world around you, even if it’s just a “small” impact. So I would say think of the kind of impact your next design or project or decision will make. And make it a good one.
~Amanda~
