HOPE
Lakewood (United States) - Hello from the USA. I am not 100% sure why I feel like writing today after the US election. I think perhaps that I sincerely wish for the rest of the world - this same feeling that so many citizens of the USA have with the election of Barack Obama - this feeling that change is possible.
I know there will always be problems with any administration. But we have a glimmer that this man [Barack Obama] will do things to shift the USA's role in the world. Become a participant - rather than a force. Helping versus demanding. Honesty to the people and respectful to others' ideas.
I suppose some will argue nothing will change as industries influences are too big an obstacle to overcome. And that I am foolish to think one person can make a difference and change the course of a country. But for the moment I have to believe we are quite fortunate that a majority of our country has voted and said, "it is time to change".
And if enough people continue to stand up and do something and join in making a difference - then perhaps it might become a reality.
As a graphic designer and creative thinker - the election reminded me of something we should teach to young designers and practice ourselves. I do not mean to over-simplify, but if you have something to promote - whether it be a service or product - you will be much better off if that item has substance. Community services, products that people need (not want), or the desire to change the direction of a country for the betterment of society. Idealistic - yes I think so.
I feel our industry could help with some of the problems in the world as we have direct influence in so many areas - over-packaging and printing unnecessary items, promoting things people don't need, helping industries and individuals come up with messaging that distracts the public from finding real solutions... which is why I am hopeful that Icograda and our discussions will continue to educate its members, and become a stronger advocate for areas of best practice to its member associations.
Curious? If trade agreements between countries can include humanitarian conditions - perhaps Icograda could also set additional guidelines for member associations to follow, or educate and encourage their members to practice?
About Stuart Alden
Stuart Alden is a past President of AIGA Colorado, founder of Idaho Stew creative agency, photographer and environmental designer. He was made a Lifetime Icograda Friend at the Icograda World Design Congress 2007 in La Habana, Cuba, for his sustained commitment to Icograda.
About Icograda Friends
Icograda Friends are a worldwide network of individuals who share a common interest in communication design. Friends come from diverse backgrounds, cultures and social structures. The network includes, among others, the past Presidents of Icograda. Anyone who wishes to support Icograda and who agrees with Icograda's aims and values can become an Icograda Friend on a contribution basis.
Comments:
For the past 250 years "America" has (almost) always been synonymous with "hope" and able to re-invent itself at the right moment. (At least that is the way I see it.) Yesterday, tens of millions of Americans went to the polls and as a result the world was rewarded with a rare moment of unity. Watching the response from around the globe, it was moving to see expressions of sincere admiration and genuine hope.
6:19 PM | November 06, 2008 PST (GMT - 8)
Stuart Alden say: - "I feel our industry could help with some of the problems in the world as we have direct influence in so many areas - over-packaging and printing unnecessary items, promoting things people do not need, helping industries and individuals come up with messaging that distracts the public from finding real solutions ... which is why I am hopeful that our discussions ICOGRADA and will continue to educate its members, and become a stronger advocate for areas of best practice to its member associations. Curious? If trade agreements between countries can include humanitarian conditions - perhaps ICOGRADA September could also additional guidelines for member associations to follow, or educate and encourage their members to practice?" A few months ago on the day of the graphic designer, I sent to friends of ICOGRADA a poster (forest with bar codes on green background) that showed what we are doing badly the designers unnecessary wasting paper and ink, and this involves engaging reflection colleagues graphics that at the time of creative thinking to ponder whether a client and degrades their work contributes to climate change and deforestation if the colors are excessive in number or toxic to the air. If there is behind that product slavery and starvation or leave people out of work. I think it's hard but ICOGRADA has an ethical mission to spread and place our profession, social and environmental responsibility. Rodolfo Fernández Alvarez
2:11 AM | November 07, 2008 PST (GMT - 8)
Nelson Mandela to Obama: "Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place."
7:56 AM | November 07, 2008 PST (GMT - 8)
If trade agreements between countries can include humanitarian conditions - perhaps Icograda could also set additional guidelines for member associations to follow, or educate and encourage their members to practice. This is my PROMISE- I'm a final year student of GRAPHIC DESIGN,ELECTRONIC DESIGN and MOTION GRAPHICS at THE Savannah College of Art and Design in USA - I have always told professors here that they are teaching me things that matter but not exactly and they never gave me any way off- Much as I'm a designer-I'm more of an AFRICAN than anything else- I have a range of PRODUCTS AND PRODUCTION PLAN with AFRICAN PATH COMMUNICATIONS that respects the world as we all know it-and here I'am-to follow this blog now that it is promising aware of what the WORLD HAS EXPERIENCED- I NEED ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT-that you can find-there has to be great value that considers people's plight- COMPOSED LIBERTY! AFRICAN PATH COMMUNICATIONS-
4:09 PM | November 10, 2008 PST (GMT - 8)
You know, this is a big bundle of complicated, nonetheless ever present, issues to take on. And aren't industries the aim of worldwide compaints? And international markets, also? I agree, simplifying the world, in terms of visual, political, social, and lingual communication would allow the world to spin on its axes more smoothly and for a longer time. But how would you get to such a point? Sometimes I find these issues confront human nature, survival of the fittest, blah blah so on and so forth. How could we (and our creative powerhouses) and create harmony between what people really need and what they really want? The more that exists, the more we want, the further we'll go to get it, but that seems to apply principally to an egotistical attitude. There is so much we can give, and so many ways in which we can contribute, and most sit on the sidelines, watching out of the corner of their eyes, so's to ignore the bitter and more difficult stretches. I realize I've developed a special talent for questioning everything, so I'll admit to considerable amounts of cynicism. Things are always easier to say than to do, but at the end of the day, I'll believe that where there is conviction, there is power to change the world.
1:48 PM | December 04, 2008 PST (GMT - 8)
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![[Image: Design by Aliona Solomadina, Ukraine]](/database/images/display/sb4b8edb1704d63.jpg "Design by Aliona Solomadina, Ukraine")
