SYNTHESIS.
GRAPHIC DESIGN, ETHICS &SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY.
To what extent are graphic designers ethically responsible for accurately portraying their clients?
Most designers today would deem it unacceptable to work for a tobacco company on the grounds that it is immoral and unethical. However, working for an alcohol-based company would be seen as completely acceptable.
Through research taken to inform the corresponding critical piece of writing, there is growing opinion and mounting evidence showing that alcohol has a greater negative effect on society than that of tobacco. These effects are seen though unnecessary burdens to NHS, as well as behavioural issues and destructive consequences induced upon society as a result of this behaviour.
This practical piece represents the power Graphic Designers have in today’s society in two different ways, as well as the difficulties many designers can have regarding the balance of ethical and profitable practice.
The first representation is offered through the outer packaging through a form of manipulation. The sense of luxury and prestige disregards the negative consequences alcohol can have on a person. The second representation is revealed underneath this packaging where these negative consequence’s are addressed in the aesthetic and information. This bare truth and realisation would perhaps stop the consumer buying this product again.
This then presents a third message regarding a designers balence between moral decisions and financial gain. The repulsiveness of the bottle reflects an ethical stand point which in turn defeats the object of selling this poduct in the consumerist culture.
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