Hafocere Designs

After completing my critical paper, which explored the idea of ethical and sustainable practices in graphic design, I decided to practice what I preach and attempt to create an environmentally friendly project. My aim was to refrain from using any new paper, but to work using scrap paper and disregarded prints. I decided that the best way for me to do this would be in the print room as it allowed me to easily work on top of already used paper and also gave me the option of using ready mixed paints, so in essence all components of the final prints would be created sustainably. Now don’t get me wrong, i know not all aspects of the print room are sustainable, a lot of electricity is used to create and dry the stencils, but i was not aiming to create a completely sustainable project. The only way for me to do this would be to not submit any work!

Now that I had chosen the method I was to use to create my final images I needed to decide on the content and presentation. I toyed with the idea of using facts and figures about sustainability and the environment, such as recycling facts,  but soon decided against this idea as I thought that using recycled media for the prints was reference enough to sustainability and that anything more would be overkill. I also wanted my final images to be appealing and not seem too preachy. Recycling facts have been used too many times already, I wanted my designs to be more original. After conducting some research I decided that I wanted to use natural imagery and text in the designs. I have researched quotes on topics such as nature, trees and animals and selected nine different quotes to use when creating my images. I liked the idea of using quotes as it gives the viewer something to contemplate. They aren’t straight forward. I also created illustrations to accompany a selection of the quotes.

After completing my series of posters I decided that I wanted experiment with the images in another way. I took a few photographs of different sections of my prints so that I could create something digitally. I decided to create a series of business cards but I had to work out a way to produce them sustainably. I printed four of my stronger images on to a sheet of used acetate paper, I then cut postcards to the same size as the images and stuck the pieces together, to finish the business cards I simply wrote my information on the back of them. I think that the postcards are quite effective as the image on the postcard can be seen through the acetate. I like the idea of making postcards this way as everyone I hand out will be unique.

Through creating this project I have learned that although it is important to be as sustainable as possible I don’t think you can let it compromise the quality of work that is produced. Designers should help clients pick the sustainable options were possible but they must also do what they are being paid to do. Create good designs.