For our 6th piece of advice pulled from the page of Computer Arts Magazine,  Neville Brody tells us to “create design that means something” How important is that to you? Have you ever sat around having that glass of milk, cup of coffee (yum) or a beer and thought about how your design or design in general effects the world or community around us? Brody says:

“radical culture and the idea that the work you do as a designer could actually be of benefit to society is no longer evident. When did you last hear the word progress? Progress is essential to society; the idea that what you’re doing now should make a better society for tomorrow. [Good Design] is not about doing something that’s going to bring you money, its about doing something that’s goings to re-engage people, re-engage culture and society and re-engage possibility.”

-Neville Brody, Computer Arts Magazine, 163

Design is a very powerful form of communication. It allows us to reach the core of a persons soul, express the unexpressed and unite people. If we allow the work to speak for itself the viewer will interpret it in various ways and give it their own meaning. Over the years I have come across some really great examples of design that has meant something… at least to me.

Designers Like Shepard Fairey, Milton Glaser & groups such as the AIGA have all created powerful works that have resonated with today’s culture. They have help to re-engage us in social issues such as education, politics, genocide and terrorism to name a few. Some examples of what I mean are:

Shepard Fairey x L.E.A.D. Ugnada

Shepard was approached to create mixed media collages to help raise money for L.E.A.D Uganda, an Educational Leadership Program. “My work is about trying to make striking, provocative images that can lead people to take an interest in social issues that I care about … whether it is what is going on in Darfur or Uganda or any other form of injustice that is happening around the world,” said Shepard Fairey. Just like his now famous mixed media piece for now president Obama, Fairey uses his talent to peak our interests through art and make us more socially aware.

Milton Glaser – 9/11 & Darfur

Glaser, an original member behind Push Pin studios has not only created memorable work, but he has made us think. As the designer of the iconic I love NY campaign, he responded to the 9/11 tragedy with another remarkable poster illustrating the loss and hurt that the city was going through with the updated “I love NY more than ever” poster. He also create a poster bring light to the pain in Darfur and how it really effect us ALL.

AIGA – Get out and vote project

Why do we care about such frivilious things. The US as a country seems to care more about reality shows like: American Idol, The Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars than our own political system. This is evident with the amount of voting that these shows produce. America seemed to be more interested in shows about reality rather that reality itself! The American Institute of Graphics Artist is changing that. Through design and exposure the AIGA has created the Get out and Vote project for each election year since 2000. This was create to inspire us as American voters to participate in our right to choose our elected officials.

These are just some things that I have found where designers are creating something with meaning. What have you come across? share your work, links and findings with us.

Remember to re-engage with yourself to re-engage with the world.