Ethics for the Starving Designer

About

ABOUT THE PROJECT

In the field of visual communication, there are often many ethical situations to consider.

Is it right to work for tobacco companies? Do I agree that fashion and cosmetic advertising propels a culture of unrealistic beauty? Is it okay to recommend five forms of media to my client to raise the budget when I know only one will suffice? How do I choose between a beautiful minimalist eight page layout versus a slightly crammed but environmentally friendly four page layout? What do I do when my boss tells me to work on something I don’t agree with?

These are just a few of the ethical considerations that have plagued both student and professional designers. And yet, with so many questions to think about, these issues are hardly being discussed in local design institutes. Even if we were to research this topic by our own volition, what we would often encounter are works written by prominent designers in a foreign context.

ETHICS FOR THE STARVING DESIGNER is a student’s attempt at improving the situation. It’s a project to promote the dialogue of responsibility and ethics within visual communicators, as well as to reference these conversations to reach a consensus on an ethical code that can be embraced by local Singaporean designers regardless of their professional success.

This isn’t just the effort of a single person. It is for designers, by designers - the final version of this ethical code will be written in the form of a manifesto that will see contributions from students, professionals and lecturers all over the country. You can be part of this project! Just head on over to www.starvingforethics.com to see how you can participate!