Over the years I was politely guided away from design by adults who felt it was ‘too competitive’, ‘not a proper job’ and that you could only really be successful in it if you were ‘super talented’. There was even a small battle inside of me – I wanted to make a real difference in the world, and couldn’t work out how sitting at a computer making things look pretty would do that. I see now how little I understood of the power of design.
As I continued to find another career path, my love for graphic design always stayed with me; through ad hoc requests from friends & family to create artwork, my admiration for unique book covers or my appreciation for creative and elegant typefaces. Now that I am finally practicing what I love, I would like to share what truly keeps me here. I can see our purpose as graphic designers is far more than embellishers. Our role may not be as leaders to make change happen, but we can play a pivotal supporting role to inspire change. Whether it be through posters for Kony 2012, mail shots for Wateraid or ads for the occupation in Palestine, we have the responsibility to relay those messages as effectively as possible.
Although I appreciate the value I can add to help make a change to a business, a community or movement, it should not be forgotten that the real driving force for any change in the world comes through people striving for what they believe to be right.
Why did you become a graphic designer and what do you feel is your purpose? I would love to hear from you.
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