Becoming the “climate designer” guy
Wow! The Determined turns 3 this month. In business years, that’s 15. We’re the budding teen who is becoming more aware of themselves, learning just enough to stay out of trouble, but still dumb enough to not know better 😉
We started building out The Determined in spring 2016 and publicly launched in July. Sarah and I recently sat down and chatted about our anniversary on our podcast. We discussed lessons learn, the ups and downs, and challenges we are still facing.
I’m realizing that this is my life’s work — using my creative talents in helping those solve our greatest challenge as a species. So cool!
In continuing with that last thought, next month, I’m dusting off Project M with my friend, mentor, and colleague John Bielenberg. We are spending two weeks in Montana, exploring the wilderness of the Yellowstone ecosystem. We’ll work with local organizations to raise awareness around environmental issues taking shape in this area as well as highlighting its beauty and importance.
My time at California College of the Arts is getting more focused. I’m seeing opportunities to bring my work in the climate space inside of the school. I’m on a sustainability steering committee in the Graphic Design department, crafting new methods and techniques in establishing sustainability as the corner stone of the program. I’m spearheading the CONCEPT lecture series for the GD department in SEPT which the theme will be on, you guessed it, sustainability. I’m also working on creating a new topic-based class for spring 2020 that will be centered around designing approaches and solutions for our climate crisis.
Speaking of design education, I’m heading to Richmond, VA in the fall to visit my old Graphic Design department at Virginia Commonwealth University, to run a workshop with students in the mOb program, a partnership of three design departments of VCUarts; Graphic Design, Fashion Design and Interior Design. These departments operate an innovative design lab that realizes the potential of design to shape Richmond. We will work on addressing how Richmond will deal with climate change.
I feel really good about where things are going right now. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still fucking stressed with running a business, making sure we have a steady stream of clients to pay the bills. But, over the course of the last few months or so, I’m seeing all of what I’m doing fall into a more cohesive place for myself, becoming the “climate designer” guy I guess . People are seeing my work, listening to my thoughts, and working with me to bring creativity and design into the conversation towards addressing our climate crisis. Being sought out as someone knowledgeable in both of these areas is kinda cool.
Designers are becoming more interested in knowing their role in what’s going on out there. Climate entrepreneurs and experts are realizing the importance of crafting great messaging, building a solid brand, and having a kick ass marketing campaign.
I truly believe that design and designers can (and should) play a huge role in addressing our climate crisis. We can help visualize ideas from those coming up with crazy, cool solutions. We need to become more aware of the artifacts we, as designers, create—where the materials come from, how they are sourced, the lifespan of these artifacts, and how we “close the loop” when it comes to waste. We also have the ability to create campaigns that can lead to massive positive change around policy, awareness, and behaviors so that these new ideas can get implemented globally.
It’s going to take all hands on deck, all levels, all sectors. It’s going to be both top down and bottom up. Every industry, every position, every single person needs to wake up and take part.
I’m grateful for you while being part of this journey… now, let’s get to work.
What about you? What in 2018 took most of your energy? What in 2019 are you looking forward?
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