The P Link

Graphic Designers can have an impact on the world and how people behave, think and respond, what they buy, which way they go etc. Examples of this can be seen in signage, political campaigns, packaging, advertising etc.

 

In this unit I reflected on my personal ethics, values and motivation. The unit engaged me in diverse and challenging issues as I examined the social and ethical responsibility of the Graphic Designer and addressed my wishes for positive change in the world.

 

I was encouraged to consider the positioning of my work within authorship and publishing, visual journalism, sustainability, and a range of professional environments. I also examined my role as an image-maker through the contexts of environmental, political, social and cultural issues. 

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My area of research was Periods, Poverty and Plastic. What was the link between the three P's and how could that link be broken?

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I designed a DIY period pants kit which enabled you to make your own usually expensive period pants from an old T-shirt which made a sustainable high end product accessible to all.

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I addressed the issue within education around the subject. Our children are taught from an early age to use disposable plastic products, also the separation of boys and girls regarding the subjects delivery enforces shame from that early age. With this in mind I designed a pattern and garments for young children which went with an illustrated poem to educate children and adults alike about the dangers of period plastic and its impact on the environment.

The children's garments were paired with an iron on campaign patch for teens/adults which would raise awareness of the P Link without feeding into fast fashion.

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Having a daughter at the age the schools start teaching this subject made it all the more important for me to delve into. I thoroughly enjoyed this project and would happily use it aging in the future.