Benjamin Hart HAR17514376 GMD 23/12/19 Ethical choices of a designer The feeling of fulfilment of completing a placement is amazing, however, the feeling of dread of finding another one is quite the opposite. I began interning at a packaging and brand identity studio in Brighton two months ago, which has absolutely flown by. I was introduced to a team of 8 designers, each of which has varying experience, skills, and qualities. I was seated right in the middle of them so if I had any questions or queries they were close and more than happy to help. They also critiqued and challenged my outcomes, at first it was quite harsh and abrupt, but over time I realised they were helping me contextualise my work and making me provide reasoning for everything I was working on. The work I was doing was mainly digital and illustration-heavy. Which again, at first I was skeptical about as I see myself more of a printmaker/designer, however, I adapted and learned loads valuable technical skills and qualities which I will take away and use in everyday life. The studio pumped out products and packaging in a fast paced manor, often the first design is what they go with. This reinforced that the company understands the consumers desires. This was often evolved around trends, the creative director attended many trend shows during my time and was up to date on current affairs throughout, this was really interesting but It reminded me of the fast-fashion industry. Making products that will only have a one time use, which provoked thought about the ethical responsibility of a designer. I have the ability to make the conscious decision on who I provide my effort and time for, understandably there a reasons for having a job to buy food, rent and survive. However, I have made the decision I’d like to provide my time for a company with a slightly more sustainable approach. To summarise, the internship was very beneficial as Its given me an insight into functioning design studio the ways to communicate and look at my own work from a different perspective. However, it has been very broad and unspecific to my practices and like I say isn’t the most sustainable. Barnbrook J. et al. (2000) First Things First. According to the First Things First manifesto form the year2000 (2000, Barnbrook et al.), designers do not want to engage with trivial products just for the sake of designing, but they want to create for a higher cause. Even though creating packaging for a gizmo may seem insignificant, the way it is made can make a huge change in the producer’s carbon footprint and prevent pollution or unnecessary deaths of animals. A designer is responsible for providing a sustainable future for not only himself but the whole society. This will be my outlook when looking for internships in the future. My plan from now till I find my next internship is to focus on projects which I enjoy. Creating prints of posters, zines and books. Building and developing my portfolio and start sending examples of my work to potential employers. Having spent so much time behind a computer during my previous internship I’ve learned I’d like to have a balance of analog and digital. At first, I was reluctant to look outside the UK for placements however seeing the opportunities and work of fellow students has been massively inspiring. My ultimate goal is to work in Holland, specifically Amsterdam as I have always been fond of dutch design culture and find myself implementing aspects of the dutch design simplicity into my practice.
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