Your Gifts Are Not Your Own
After a recent conversation with the communcations director of a global manufacturing company who also runs a non-profit, I've been thinking lately about the designer's obligation for altruism.
This particular individual runs a non-profit on a budget of under $100k, rehabbing homes in the inner city. It's a worthwhile cause, since their consitituents are on fixed incomes and can't afford to fix up their homes.
His concern is that even though they are on a small budget, they would like their communications to be professional. Well-designed and not looking as if anyone with a copy of a Microsoft publishing product and an image gallery had put it together. Or even an easy-to-maintain web site with a small content management system. (essentially what Blogger is).
I suggested that perhaps there should be a "buddy system" within AIGA, matching small, under-funded non-profits (the majority so it seems) with a designer or design firm who would adopt them. The designer's obligation would be to provide them design services on a pro bono level or at a substantially reduced fee (and I mean substantial).
I think this initiative should happen without the organization of AIGA. And I'm certain it does happen much more than any of us are aware. It just needs to happen more.
As a believer in the values taught by the Bible, I think it's a designer's obligation to support a non-profit or ministry. After reading Loving Monday by John Beckett, I realized that I don't own my business (even though my name is on the paperwork). The business belongs to the Lord, I and my partner are the stewards of this business, to do with it as He desires.
Of course, to feed our egos, we might ask for creative freedom when we donate our services (one of our conditions in doing so). But the client has the right to make certain their needs for clear and effective communcation are being met. At that point the spirit of humility will kick in and everyone will work together toward a common goal.
Every designer has a cause or a ministry or a non-profit that they would like to support. Every designer has gifts that are given to them by the Master of creativity (whether they are aware of this relationship or not).
I think that every designer needs to use those gifts to give something back. Are you with me?
Addendum: Do you have a favorite cause and need funds to produce a design for the public good? Consider entering the Sappi Ideas That Matter program.
This particular individual runs a non-profit on a budget of under $100k, rehabbing homes in the inner city. It's a worthwhile cause, since their consitituents are on fixed incomes and can't afford to fix up their homes.
His concern is that even though they are on a small budget, they would like their communications to be professional. Well-designed and not looking as if anyone with a copy of a Microsoft publishing product and an image gallery had put it together. Or even an easy-to-maintain web site with a small content management system. (essentially what Blogger is).
I suggested that perhaps there should be a "buddy system" within AIGA, matching small, under-funded non-profits (the majority so it seems) with a designer or design firm who would adopt them. The designer's obligation would be to provide them design services on a pro bono level or at a substantially reduced fee (and I mean substantial).
I think this initiative should happen without the organization of AIGA. And I'm certain it does happen much more than any of us are aware. It just needs to happen more.
As a believer in the values taught by the Bible, I think it's a designer's obligation to support a non-profit or ministry. After reading Loving Monday by John Beckett, I realized that I don't own my business (even though my name is on the paperwork). The business belongs to the Lord, I and my partner are the stewards of this business, to do with it as He desires.
Of course, to feed our egos, we might ask for creative freedom when we donate our services (one of our conditions in doing so). But the client has the right to make certain their needs for clear and effective communcation are being met. At that point the spirit of humility will kick in and everyone will work together toward a common goal.
Every designer has a cause or a ministry or a non-profit that they would like to support. Every designer has gifts that are given to them by the Master of creativity (whether they are aware of this relationship or not).
I think that every designer needs to use those gifts to give something back. Are you with me?
Addendum: Do you have a favorite cause and need funds to produce a design for the public good? Consider entering the Sappi Ideas That Matter program.
posted by BSCO at 8:12 AM
2 Comments:
I think your are right on. Many firms do this already, but maybe we could set up a small site that would connect firms with non-profits in their area seeking help. Similar to the sites that helped folks find relatives after Katrina.
Having been both a designer displaced by Katrina recieving aid from friends and strangers, and at the same time, lucky enough to have a sense of charity whereby I offer pro bono work to any post-Katrina New Orleans businesses and organizations I think are needy, I find that one gains spiritual strength to be generious.
I have my hands, my eyes and my design skills intact. Even after knowing that my home is wrecked but not without repair, so it is that I know that I can rebuild my life. I know that I can be a giver and not just a taker. What I have is a gift that is not mine.
If creativity is an electric current from the creator, who am I to refuse?
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