Pray, use your talent—whatever it is, show-up, and do it.
Gary Haugen • IJM FOUNDERare prostituted in the United States.Girls, as young as 5 years old, have been sold in brothels to be raped by pedophiles for $500 or less.One woman in five will be sexually assaulted.
These were some shocking statements displayed at the Community Bible Church (CBC) mezzanine during an unexpected Sunday morning service in 2011. That morning after the pastor finished his sermon, he invited Mr. Gary Haugen to present International Justice Mission (IJM) to the CBC congregation. I heard him in complete shock and disbelief while he presented disturbing facts about modern slavery and sexual exploitation. During this time, I researched possible topics for the thesis that would fulfill one of the last requirements to receive my MFA degree at Texas State University.
After 14 months of countless hours of reading, writing, designing, and revising my thesis, it was presented to the Graduate Council of Texas State University in August 2012. Bricks for Justice. A Traveling Exhibition for International Justice Mission, a Human Rights Organization. This research documents how the environmental graphic design of a traveling exhibition, a new brand identity, and guerrilla advertising installations would help to raise awareness of the mission of IJM, a human rights organization, around the globe; and demonstrates how the communication design discipline may have a positive impact in society by provoking a change in human consciousness.
After completing my thesis, I felt as if I could accomplish anything. I learned to manage time more efficiently, distribute scarce resources, do research, try new things, and I also embraced failures. But more importantly, I discovered that advisors and collaboration made the research process and business decisions less complicated and more successful. Additionally, I believe one of the worst regrets in life is not doing something for fear of rejection. Thus, the power of the Nike® tagline, for example, just do it™.
I believe sharing a documented process does not mean giving away the designer’s work. On the contrary, it demonstrates that communication design is beyond aesthetics, making things pretty, personal preferences, or simple deliverables. Successful communication design is a storytelling science and it follows a methodology. An analogy I commonly share with my students is the cooking recipe. Following a cooking recipe does not make any person a chef. As a matter of fact, two seasoned chefs—not pun intended—following the same recipe will produce great but different results. I believe the magic of communication design is finding and searching for the appropriate solution. Furthermore, documenting and showcasing the design process reveals how a designer thinks, reacts, and explores different decisions; consequently, designers may be perceived more as thinkers than just producers.
Before I selected my thesis committee, I was familiar with the terms: advisory board, board of directors, advisors, committee, or mentors. But regardless of the title, advisors are a must in the academia and corporate world. During the early stage of my thesis research, I understood that an advisory committee’s main role was to make the designer think about different possible paths rather than suggesting solutions. Therefore, I believe the main role of advisors is to inspire designers to step out of their comfort zone, so designers may achieve their full potential. Later, the advisor’s role shifts, and they would typically suggest tangible solutions. But certainly, advisors should be successful professionals that designers admire, trust, and would challenge them.
I am forever indebted to my Thesis Committee and Mentors, Claudia Roeschmann, Maia Wright, and Jeffrey G. Davis, for their patience, unwavering support, and sound advice. Also, thankful for William Meek and George Kauss for their continuing sound mentorship and friendship, for their teaching, and for always transmitting their unrelenting desire to continue learning.
I totally agree with the idea that design may change the world or it may have an impact on society by provoking a change in human consciousness. But, designers need to learn first to observe, get acquainted with history, and “become well-rounded intellectually,” as stated by Michael Bierut (2007, p.17)—a graphic designer, design critic, educator, and partner at Pentagram, an international design firm—while explaining why the work of designers from the 1940s and ’50s continues to be interesting and relevant. Designers suggest solutions quickly, but the best design solutions are produced after defining a clear messaging strategy specific to the client. Most of the time, the solution is stated within the problem. Thus, the need to be patient and listen thoroughly. Also important is to understand the context, background, and culture where the design will interact.
The exhibition visitors signed 154 out of the 176 bricks available.
Lastly, failure is another important lesson I learned after completing my MFA thesis. In my opinion, failure or rejection should always have a positive result provided that something is learned. Often times, failure will motivate the designer to explore a better solution, to improve the design, or try again. Failure should be seen as a learning opportunity and always kept in perspective. Designers get easily attached to their work; thus, they often struggle with rejection or critique. However, as designers mature and gain more confidence in their work, they embrace failure as fuel to excel in future endeavors.
One of many failures—ways not to apply vinyl.
In conclusion, designers are natural observers and doers who follow processes, especially if the process has been proven. Furthermore, designers with agency or corporate backgrounds tend to be great collaborators; they are constantly interacting with different team members, such as clients, account executives, art directors, photographers, illustrators, copywriters, and fellow designers, to name just a few. Additionally, there is a large competition in the design industry; consequently, failure is common among designers. However, failure or rejection is a constant motivator to excel in consequent projects. Finally, designers are dreamers, idealists, and strategists. They are constantly looking for change and improving things; thus, most get involved in cause-based projects and social communication. Still, in the end, raising consciousness and moving people to do something is always a personal choice—the designer’s choice.
You are welcome to download a copy of my thesis: Bricks for Justice, and I would love to read your thoughts.
Bierut, M. (2007). Seventy-nine short essays on design. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.
Jeffares, A. Norman & Gray, M. (1995). Collins Dictionary of Quotations. New York: Harper Collins Publishing.
Solis Rivero., Genaro. (2012). Bricks for Justice. A Traveling Exhibition for International Justice Mission, a Human Rights Organization.(Publication No. 829388191). Master’s thesis, Texas State University. Texas State—Alkek Library’s Catalog.
Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
Isaiah 1:17 • NEW LIVING TRANSLATION