Pro Bono Pressure: Is a Graphic Designer Obliged to Work for Free?

No.

As a student hoping to acheive success and recognition in my field, there is no obligation for me to work Pro-Bono, there is a need. While I would not expect my peers to donate their time and energy for no payment, I would not hesitate to help an organization whose need was clearly defined. It is an excellent opportunity to give back to the community and gain recognition as a conscientious designer which is becoming more and more valuable in todays business world.

I do draw a line in terms of who I would consent to doing pro-bono work for. I would undoubtedly offer my services in full, free of payment to not-for-profit organizations whose beneficiaries are truly in need. I would not be willing to offer free services on the other hand, to companies who do stand to earn a profit from my work.

I think that there are too many not-for-profit organizations who need an extra push to be able to live up to their full potential. Often an organization will undervalue the benefit that design can bring to their overall efficiency, or else they simply cannot divert assets into design that could otherwise benefit their cause.

Looking for examples of agencies who do engage in pro-bono work, I found a website for a pro bono initiative:






The 1% is an initiative that connects not-for-profit organizations with architecture and design firms who have pledged 1% of their time to making the world a better place.












While this is a U.S. initiative, I would like to see something similar for graphic designers. Too often, people contribute to organizations based on the reputability of their brand, this restricts the number of people who would otherwise be interested in contributing to real grassroots initiatives that would improve the quality of life around us.

As designers it is not a matter of obligation, it is a matter of standing up for what we believe in, and doing what we can to help.

Designing the collapse of a moral society

What design work would I refuse?

In graphic design there are opposing views as to how a designer should approach controversial issues. Either suck it up and do the work regardless of the message, or take a stand and risk putting your neck on the line.

Where do I stand on the matter? as you may have already gathered from the title of this post, I couldn't bring myself to work on an indecent campaign if I tried. I should probably be fairly specific on this count for fear of my meaning being construed.

Now, I consider myself a progressive individual who respects the rights of people to do and (usually) say whatever they want so long as it is respectful of others. I can appreciate when a person who is true to themselves speaks their mind honestly, but what I cannot condone is advertising that has no benefit aside from selling a negative and socially destructive attitude.
















The diesel ad pictured above was part of a larger campaign which featured men in provocative scenarios which would not have been so bad if not for the medium; these ads were regularly featured on outdoor billboards. These ad's(above and below) shared a billboard on the side of a building looming over Yonge street for nearly a year.



















While I would not consider myself a prude, I could not condone building a brand that presented a glorified image of perversity. Yes, I understand that this campaign was likely intended for a European market, but I feel too strongly that this sort of advertising further undermines the positive values and self respect that we no longer embody.

It is fairly naive to think that I could get by as a graphic designer if I refused to work on any account that offended my values. I understand that extremes must be explored if a brand is to be differentiated. I disagree with placing an ad like this on a billboard, it seems more intended to push peoples boundaries than simply creating awareness.

New Ontario Driver's Licence: a Dissappointment

Having finally completed the arduous process of obtaining my G class drivers license, I recently received my new ID card.

I must say that despite all of the recent technological advancements that have been included, the overall design of the card is somewhat disappointing. While I am confident that the government should know what they're doing(can you sense my sarcasm?) it seems to me as though many of the changes that were made take away from the visual hierarchy that was so strong in the former card.

Considering that my main use for my drivers licence is at the door of a club, I doubt that all of the relevent information has been presented in a way that will be recognizable in dark conditions.

Read more about the new features here