Design for Good

Have you ever looked at what your future could be like, and realize how utterly impossible it seems to be?
I have.
Have you ever taken a second look, and come to the fond realization that you are capable of anything and everything?
I have.

You should too.

The last few days I have been at a national AIGA conference (and for those of you who don't know, just know that it is a national conference for everyone with the most stupendous jobs in the world: Graphic Design). I was expecting a few things out of this before I came down:

Networking with the Professionals.
Leaning more about design itself.
Get a few more ideas.
Expand my vision of what I could become.

And let me tell you, all of this was possible. Every part of my expectations were easily fulfilled. But, know this: I have learned something that has forever changed my perspective on what I do.

The theme for AIGA this year, or maybe it is a campaign in and of itself, is: Design for Good. I was honestly not expecting to come here and get so many deep lessons on service. Of all the things? I wasn't displeased at all. I was confused, yes. But not displeased. Over the course of this conference I learned something more about myself, and my purpose here in life. Listen to this: What we do for a living, no matter what it may be, can be used as a force for good.


I am a graphic designer, and I want to create a better place through my talents. I always have said that, but it never hit me as much as it did this weekend here in good ol' Phoenix, Arizona. We all have potential, potential that is just waiting to burst out and be used as a force for good. There is so much bad in the world. We need to start acting. Making that move through OUR OWN TALENTS AND INTERESTS to make a difference.

So, if you are having those twiddling thumbs, only seeing the impossibilities in your future, you need to take a step back. Back away, and realize that there are those opportunities. Back away, and realize that you have potential. Don't diminish it. Use your talents. Nurture them, and you will see how they multiply.

We all can do it.
I promise to use mine.
Will you?
-gracie