A Message on Sustainability

Below are quotes from an essay I wrote on sustainability as it relates to the design field my senior year in college. The essay has become a manifesto for me and my work as I realized how my professional career could influence future generations. These ideas have only become stronger as I have read about sustainability in books and magazines (lifestyle and design oriented), attended seminars and conducted my own research. I hope to continue to build on my knowledge in this area as I grow as a design professional.

"With the awesome power to communicate comes great responsibility and with great responsibility comes great challenge and satisfaction. "

"The more I challenge my mind to exercise different viewpoints and ideas the more I improve my design work."

"How I communicate is just as important as what I say."

"We have but one Earth in a massive universe; human beings are only a small part of how life works here and yet we have the power to change it. Therefore it is our moral responsibility to sustain Earth not just for our own lives but for future generations as well."

"Sustainability in graphic design goes beyond choosing recycled papers and soy-based inks; it is about how the materials are produced, how they reach the consumer and how they will be disposed of or reused."

"...It is my primary job to create something that is engaging and my second job is to ensure what I say and how I say it leaves minimal mark on the environment and maximum impact on the human heart."

"As a designer and at foremost a human being, I am compelled to communicate messages that have the power to promote change or action."

"I believe every business and organization has the ability to take on the sustainability challenge."

"I take pride in knowing I have the potential to change the world through my design work."