The Soul of Graphic Design

The Soul of Graphic Design

Reflecting on Monteiro’s "Ethics can’t be a side hustle" and Mayakovsky’s "First Things First," I'm reminded of the importance of integrating ethics into our design practices. As designers, we must consider the ethical implications as we create, whether it's crafting pixels, designing flows, or even placing post it notes. It's easy to overlook these considerations amid the pressures of daily life, but they are crucial.

For instance, I'm confronted with ethical dilemmas as I prepare for a project addressing climate change for a younger digital-native audience this spring. While the work may serve a greater good, I must grapple with the need to include advertising to sustain my livelihood despite the potential environmental costs of having another Nissan ad online.

Similarly, ethical concerns arise when evaluating student portfolios at a local technical college that feeds into military contractors. While many students find immediate job placement in designing interfaces for the military, fueled by pride in supporting national goals, I can't ignore the ethical implications of contributing to projects focused on drone warfare.

Do Monteiro and Mayakovsky's principles apply here? Should I reconsider my involvement in this line of work, even though I stumbled into this mentorship? Or are their writings aimed solely at designers from liberal arts backgrounds and vibe in Brooklyn, leaving those in the military-industrial complex out of the conversation?

These questions prompt deep reflection on my role as a designer and the ethical responsibilities inherent in our profession. There's much to consider as I navigate these complex ethical waters.