Introduction
For this assignment we are going to explore an issue that means something to you on the theme of Social Justice. You will research and create content that will be designed to be viewed in a physical environment. But you won't forget the experimental uses of type you have explored already. Be playful in your solutions, explore and experiment and create a series of deliverables that push the boundaries of 3D design.
Let's get started
First of all, what do we mean by social justice? Let's take a look at these definitions:
1. Voting rights
Exercising the right to vote is one of the social justice issues prioritized by the National Association of Social Workers. NASW’s goal is twofold: encourage those who can vote to exercise their right and work to eliminate barriers to participation. understanding the barriers that can hold back low-income individuals, college students, senior citizens, minorities and many others matter in order to uphold our democratic processes. These obstacles can include difficult voter registration, shortened early voting windows and stricter identification requirements.
2. Climate justice
On the list of social work’s Great Challenges, it might be surprising to see “strengthen social responses to environmental changes.” The effects of climate change can be seen all over the news from wildfires in Australia to record-breaking temps in the Arctic (one recent paper found that polar bears could be nearly extinct by the end of this century). This might seem like a problem for scientists, not social workers, but climate change can put a strain on resources and impact the wellbeing of entire communities. In reality, addressing climate justice can positively affect many of the other issues on this list, and social workers have the network and skills to mobilize and educate others on its impact.
3. Healthcare
There are a number of challenges when it comes to receiving quality healthcare, particularly in the U.S. Despite the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, gaps in coverage remain, particularly with mental health resources. The U.S. spends more on healthcare for individuals than any other country, but that increase in expenditure has not translated to higher life expectancies for Americans. Both this year and last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown just how vital access to healthcare really is as many communities struggle to access tests, treatment and mental health professionals.
4. Refugee crisis
It dominated headlines in 2019, and it still remains a critical issue for those directly impacted. According to the United Nations, more people than ever before live in a different country than the one where they were born. Roughly 70.8 million people have been forced from their homes. Nearly 30 million of them are refugees, and more than half of the globe’s refugees are under 18 years old. This displaced population faces the challenges of accessing education, healthcare, job opportunities and other resources. Whether it’s escaping conflict in their home country or a natural disaster, refugees need additional support dealing with the logistical, mental and emotional burdens of their situation.
5. Racial Injustice
Racism has a long history in the United States, and its impact can be found in every facet of education, business, media and day-to-day life. After the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota and several other high-profile police shootings, Black Lives Matter protests took place across the country and have continued as activists demand substantial change. We should all be aware of the devastating and long-term consequences of racial injustice on the mental and physical health of individuals.
6. Income Gap
A recent federal report found that in 2018, America’s income gap was the largest it’s ever been in 50 years. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, that divide will most likely be much bigger. Also, pay disparities can be a factor at play, based on both race, gender and sexuality. The gender pay gap exists, and there is a significant difference in how men and women are compensated for the same work.
7. Gun Violence
Many medical professionals consider gun violence to be a public health crisis, but its impact can be felt across health and human services fields. From homicides to mass shootings to suicides, gun violence is a particularly troubling problem in the U.S., where homicides tied to firearms is the highest among developed nations. However, the impact of gun violence goes beyond those who have been killed. Those who have been injured, witnessed gun violence or lost someone also suffer long-term effects, both mentally and physically.
8. Hunger and food insecurity
Even before the pandemic, Feeding America found that 37 million regularly face hunger in the U.S., and 38 million live in poverty. Food insecurity remains a stubborn issue to solve, so as unemployment rises and many schools remain closed, accessing food through food banks and free school lunches will become more difficult. It’s also one that will continue to gain attention as more Gen Zers become old enough to vote. One notable survey found that Gen Z believes poverty and hunger are essential matters to address, while older generations rate it lower on a social issues list.
9. Equality
It’s an issue that pervades nearly all of the issues already presented—whether it’s related to finances or access to resources. It’s also become painfully more relevant as the COVID-19 pandemic impacts marginalized communities at higher rates both economically and medically. Obtaining equality in America is a big picture issue .
Now what?
Select one of those definitions and find out as much as you can about it. Focus on news stories and find the work of artists, designers, advertisers, brands that are addressing this specific issue. Create a folder where you add all your research content - images for inspiration, stories for reference.
Deliverables
Once you have a clear idea about what you want to say about your selected issue you will communicate it through typography. You will do this in two ways using two different channels.
- A 3D Typographic Installation. Explore innovative architectural and 3 dimensional type design. Come up with a one, two max three word statement that you can create in 3 dimensions. How will you do this? Substance Stager - it's included in your Adobe accounts, download it.
- A Set of Three Instagram Posts. Use your sculptural type to create 3 posts that reinforce the underlying message from your story. Also write some accompanying copy in your post. Maybe combine quotes and memorable lines, perhaps include a call to action, the url for an organization you are supporting.
The very first thing to do is research and find your voice. What do you want to say? Then you will sketch ideas out, of course. But do so with inspirational images in mind. Identify appropriate fonts - remember to complement your fonts. And colors - what will your color palette be? You'll apply these choices across all media platforms.
When you are ready to execute, think of the appropriate tools to work with.
For your 3D piece, Adobe Substance Stager is the natural choice - demo will follow and a step-by-step guide will be added to this Page. For Instagram think of Illustrator or Photoshop, or maybe Lightroom.
Submission Guidelines
You will create a project on Behance, name it after this assignment. I expect to see:
- a brief introduction to the project - in a nutshell what are you doing, why are you doing it and how are you doing it?
- key aspects from your research and inspirational imagery.
- your ideation and sketches
- the 3D piece staged and "shot"
- the 3 Instagram posts mocked up on mobile phone vectors AND as stand alone images
Over the next couple of weeks you will be offered relevant demos and further clarification about your deliverables.
The slide deck
The Dimension demo slide deck
The Substance demo slide deck
Deadline
May 11th by end of class .... Copy the Behance project url and paste it into Canvas.
Oh, and also share individual artworks on Slack.