Bigger Than Us - 1/07

This special January issue has two themes of special interest to graphic design professionals.

One is people. That is manifest in our “People To Watch” feature, our four-decade tradition of spotlighting a group of people who we have come to know and respect for their talent, business savvy, community service, influence and newsworthiness. Ours is a community of special people with special talents doing special things, so we never run out of selections. A complete historical listing is included, and it is humbling, to say the least.

The second the is the environment. We highlight news of environmentally Friendly papermaking and print, and thereby kicks off a series of roundups that focus on graphic design and ecological sustainability. As our article points out, the framework for thinking about these matters is quickly evolving and expanding, probably for the better.

There is an intriguing connection between the two features. As you will see, many of the “People To Watch” feel strongly that graphic design can and should be proactive in promoting social responsibility, and they similarly see their work as having a potentially vital role in encouraging environmental responsibility.

Let’s not get crazy here: most designers make a living by effectively communicating commercial messages for companies motivated by profit. Always have and always will. But that fact of life is not stifling the growing movement that embraces graphic design as a tool for improving the lot of individuals and pushing for social justice. Indeed, there may well be a growing coincidence of interests between commerce and culture. There is much to say about what all this means — and whom it implicates — but let’s defer that discussion to future issues.

Meanwhile, in this month’s report Eleazar Hernández observes, “Many people think graphic design is just for decoration, but it can be a powerful agent for change... Designers should be committed to socially responsible work and progressive values.” Laurie Churchman argues, “Designers have the ability to effect change in ways big and small, so to me it is, or should be, part of everyone’s practice.” Monte Mead says, “Design can add validity to social awareness.” Hideki Yamamoto states, “I strongly believe in the power of visual communication and the responsibility we, as designers, have in making things better for people and institutions that are helping society.” Natalie Pangaro and Shannon Beer asserts, “Graphic design is a vehicle to spread a message, and organizations trying to make a positive impact can really benefit from our services.”

In terms of sustainability and the environment, many express similar sentiments. Robert Valentine says, “These considerations are built into every project we take on.” Tim Hartford explains, “We lobby for FSC-certified paper and chain of custody suppliers with our clients.” Cathy Brown notes that her office “makes a very conscious effort to be environmentally aware in our printing, particularly with paper selection.” Debra and Keith Rizzi have launched a program to educate clients about the positive impact of sustainable decisions. Amy Graver says that “green design” is “one of the cornerstones on which the firm is built.”

The last words go to Amanda and Alan Altman: “We try to remember that what we do is bigger than us.”