A question I’ve asked myself for a long time, is how can I use
the skills I have to benefit others? Alot of times we think our
creativity and talent isn’t practical enough to help others in need,
hopefully this post can inspire you and help you to think a little bit
differently about what you as designer can do.
1. Start Locally
Don’t think that you have to immediately take on the world’s worst problems. Start locally and see what needs are immediately around you and tackle them. Contact the non-profits in your local area and see if they need help with their web site or print collateral.
2. After School Art Programs
If you live anywhere near a metro area chances are there are going to be alot of kids hanging around with nothing to do, especially in the summer. If you are a designer with a passion for the fine arts getting involved in or even starting an after school art program can be a great way to get involved in a child’s life and mentor them. Art is also very therapeutic, it helps us express ourselves in a positive and constructive way.
3. Donate Time to Non-Profits
There are plenty of non-profit organizations that need design or web help. Don’t be afraid to email or call and just offer your services, chances are they’re covered but you could just be the answer to someone’s prayer. If you think about most non-profits and the amount of time they have and what they spend it on, finding a designer is probably last on their list. I’ve also found that people doing non-profit work don’t even have a clue to even know where to begin to look for a designer.
4. Work Some Freelance & Donate The Profits
This is probably the easiest and quickest way of helping out. Find a cause that you are passionate about. Find some extra work and donate the all the money.
5. Raise Awareness
Use your site, social media, online communities to raise awareness about the issues you are passionate about. Video, posters and online media can shed light to an issue. Use the world wide web to it’s fullest potential and challenge yourself to create a visual message that rises above the noise and really makes someone stop and think about what they are seeing.
These are just a handful of ideas, but hopefully this post has inspired you to think a little differently about the skills you have and what you can do for others locally and globablly. Yes we can lend a hand regardless of what we’re doing but if you can use what you love to do and help others at the same time, this is one of the greatest things in the world. If you’ve used your skills to help others I would love to hear about it in the comments.
Via Design Trunk
Created June 30, 2008
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Then we launched a small regional magazine. Nearly every month for 6yrs, the front/inside spread (reg priced at $1200) was donated to help promote upcoming fundraisers. Mostly, these fundraisers helped provide transportation to doctors visits & grocery shopping, food, emergency utility payments and extra household items for people with hiv/aids and the elderly.
...and yes, we got rich beyond our wildest dreams. there's no greater wealth to a true artist than knowing they've made the world a better place by using their talents & helping others. Since being a "good person" is seldom accepted by the utility & mortgage company ~ set your hourly rate appropriately, and stick to it .
When you get a client who balks, and/or questions your hourly design rate, let them know that the rate is based on overhead, expenses and the fact that you're damn good at what you do. Then remind the client that there's always someone cheaper out there - who might save them $5 an hour, but they don't make a point of donating time each month to creating designs/promotions for local non-profits...the kind that deliver food to a lonely grandmother or someone's brother/sister who's suffering and or dying from complications of hiv/aids.
or just keep charging high prices and don't help your community. one day, it'll be your sick grandmother, brother, mom or maybe your son who's able to get a ride to the doctor because of a local artist who cares enough to help.
peace
Wes