Design 21: Social Design Network

With over a decade of creative industry experience, I am a graphic design and communication professional. I specialize in simplifying the complex, making information clear and as beautiful as possible. With special focus on the nonprofit. I am well versed in design across all communications channels, including print, internet, video and sound.

Recently I have turned my attention to addressing our need for important change. I operate under the premise that change starts close to home. By looking beyond my sphere of influence a bit further each time, I will be able to find opportunities to act for positive change.

I have an important responsibility.

Never before has my role in shaping my surroundings been as important as it is today.

No longer can the impact I have be measured solely by how my work looks, or how clearly it communicates to one intended audience.

Today, designers are ethnographers. We are agents of change and cultural architects. We provide navigation for the most complex of interactions. We are creators of social awareness and amplifiers of our political voices. Our way of thinking is a valuable new commodity, even across the blurred lines that once divided many disciplines.

We are asked to guide, consult and innovate while being cost-conscious, efficient and timely. We are expected to inform, improve and rebuild while we are also called on to be pragmatic, sustainable and green.

To be a designer today is to take on the responsibility of proving our value to clients by seeking knowledge and understanding needed to solve their problems.

For me, doing this in a socially responsible way is what gives the work maximum purpose and value.