Re: Design for Good

Sharmia, I am so glad you posted this topic because I've been thinking about it a lot recently.

I think Jen makes some good points about thinking more about the ideals of the organization and less about just designing for the sake of design. Even though the Signs for the Homeless were neatly designed and eye-catching, my first thoughts were that the designers and photographers were almost exploiting the homeless population for the sake of the project. I am sure that they went into it with good intentions, but the before and afters just make me feel a little bit uncomfortable. It's as if we as designers are trying to beautify everything in the world, covering up the problems and making them look better, instead of trying to find actual solutions. Maybe that's me being a little harsh, but it is a I do believe it is a fairly sensitive subject. What do you guys think?

On the other hand, I think that designers with a good understanding of concept and strategy can make a lot of difference in the non-profit world. I am actually a strong believer in pro bono work for a couple of reasons.

First of all, there are great organizations that do not have always have the funding to work with someone who understands their vision and can creatively convey their information to the public. This is where we start getting the embarrassing campaigns that do more harm than good. In many cases, I feel like a well thought out project from me would be more helpful to an organization than using that time to volunteer on the front lines (although I do like to do both). If my efforts can engage more volunteers or donors while also advancing the mission, than I feel like I am doing my part.

Secondly, it is a great networking opportunity. I try to do one or two projects with non-profits each semester. As a fairly introverted person, I usually find networking very hard. When I give myself a task to complete, I become so much more motivated and I end up meeting a lot of new people. As Sharmia said, the organizations are usually so grateful, they are open to a lot more. As a business strategy, I try to offer up smaller projects as pro bono, giving organizations a taste of my work and hinting at other opportunities for their growth down the line. And when you deliver something great, they will usually pass your name along (hopefully to clients with more of a budget).

Lastly - and Sharmia touched on this too - you get great portfolio pieces because it is usually something that you really care about and invest in. If you decide to do pro bono work, try to think strategically about what you need in your portfolio and what organizations may be able to lead you to the career of your dreams. Personally, I am interested in working as a creative director for an independent or charter school, so I am currently working on pro bono projects with schools that cannot afford certain design resources. Personally, I am also a huge animal-lover and a believer in local food, so I take on some projects with farms, shelters, healthy-eating initiatives, etc. Those I feel are more about character building, and as part of my portfolio they are great conversation starters.


Also learn when to say no, and how to articulate it professionally.


I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks about this.