This one is a little different from the rest of client groups I have found. It was quite difficult to find a Graphic Design studio in Thailand that pride themselves in sustainability. In fact, it was hard finding a Grpahic Design Agency at all. However, they do employ many creatives in order to promote their events and workshops. ( through a variety of media). I am very familiar with the centre as I am a frequent visitor to the design library.
The TCDC was originally establish by the previous prime minister to provide up coming designers , student and entrepreneurs the opportunity to acquire the most updated and varied knowledge in software and the industry.
The government has established Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) one of the 8 divisions under the Office of Knowledge Management and Development (OKMD), Office of the Prime Minister. TCDC is also in cooperation with private sectors, SME entrepreneurs and designers aim to raise public awareness of using design to add value to their products along with helping Thai designers work gain visibility in the local and global marketplace. Therefore I think the center would be interested in a diversity within their organization. I am a Thai student studying Graphic Design in the UK and could provide them with an alternative perspective on the creative design industry.
The philosophy of the TCDC is '"New expressions of creativity create jobs and income. Though creative thinking and economics appear to be separate matters, we must put them together".
National : BEAM London
BEAM is a Graphic design consultancy based in London who pride themselves in their design and their environmental commitment. When I first came across this company, I thought that this is the kind of place I would really like to work. They seem to know what they are talking about and really do care about the environment. Their commitment is shown through their company's website. They comply with all relevant environmental legislation and codes of practice and keep themselves up to date with environmental news. Another reason why I was really interested in this company is that they also produce a lot of publications. In this econimic crisis, one of The problem with sustainable design is that many clients still believe this to be a more expensive option and some may be out off. On the other hand, more and more people are becoming more aware of the impact their companies may have on the environment and therefore are becoming more environmentally responsible. Clients who need something branded or designed have their own clients and if they can say that their company is 'green' then that provides them with an extra 'point' for loving the environment which will boost their financial situation. Technology has evolved so much that its becoming cheaper for a designer to be sustainable. With the government becoming more and more supportive of solving these environmental challenges, designers , who are seen as one of the largest contributors to global warming and 'ruining' the environment, I think it is important for one to take responsibility.
European : Celery Design Paris
Celery Design is a studio graphic design studio who also believe in cutting edge green design working across different media. They are very well established with Brain Daugherty who is the author of the well know book, ' Green Graphic Design'
"One of Celery’s roles over the years has been as an advocate for a new model of graphic design that deals proactively with social and environmental challenges. Through frequent lectures, magazine articles and public outreach projects such as the Ecological Guide to Paper, Celery has worked to influence other graphic designers to embrace sustainability as a crucial design objective. Celery’s work in this area was recognized with an Environmental Leadership Award from the American Institute of Graphic Arts. The firm’s work has been featured in numerous publications including ID Magazine’s ID 40 list of influential design firms."
We advocate that designers actively engage with people both upstream (relating to business strategy and marketing plans) and downstream (relating to materials, manufacturing, and distribution) from the traditional designer’s area of expertise. The major goal of engaging upstream from the traditional designer’s role is to shift the focus of “green” design from a battle over cost to a strategic conversation about value. By collaborating with our clients and reframing projects in this way, we find that many roadblocks simply disappear. Rather than fight with every little element of the status quo, we try to change the context so that the status quo no longer holds sway. Green design can often perform well on the cost side of the equation, but adding value is the most effective strategy for green designers.
Transitional: Firebelly Design Chicago
"Firebelly is a super-talented team of patient listeners, genius problem solvers and forward thinking designers"
"We’re tenacious about creating meaningful design, developing sustainable strategies and combining both to change the world.
Our expertise is in Authenticity + Sustainability. Firebelly believes in honest storytelling and genuine experiences—the sincere things that simply can’t be faked or forced. Creating sustainable design and developing successful long-term strategies means we consider more than the present needs of our clients: we strive to be future-proof and considerate of our global impact.
Whether in print, online or in motion" href="http://firebellydesign.com/capabilities/integrated">motion, we connect people in meaningful ways, produce tangible results and deliver more than our clients expect."
...I think that says it all really.
The company is based in Chicago and it is another outstanding studio who believe in the same things that I believe in. I have little to no knowledge of the political and economic situations in Chicago but I am pretty certain that the relation design industry and the environment are the same. and my analysis of the 'beam' studio could also be applied to this design studio.
250 statement ( parts taken from my analysis)
BEAM is a Graphic design consultancy based in London who pride themselves in their design and their environmental commitment. When I first came across this company, I thought that this is the kind of place I would really like to work. They seem to know what they are talking about and really do care about the environment. Their commitment is shown through their company's website. They comply with all relevant environmental legislation and codes of practice and keep themselves up to date with environmental news. Another reason why I was really interested in this company is that they also produce a lot of publications. In this econimic crisis, one of The problem with sustainable design is that many clients still believe this to be a more expensive option and some may be out off. On the other hand, more and more people are becoming more aware of the impact their companies may have on the environment and therefore are becoming more environmentally responsible. Clients who need something branded or designed have their own clients and if they can say that their company is 'green' then that provides them with an extra 'point' for loving the environment which will boost their financial situation. Technology has evolved so much that its becoming cheaper for a designer to be sustainable. With the government becoming more and more supportive of solving these environmental challenges, designers , who are seen as one of the largest contributors to global warming and 'ruining' the environment, I think it is important for one to take responsibility.
In order to get their attention, I must show them that I, as a graduating Graphic Designer am really committed to becoming a part of something that has such high values. Part of the reason why I chose this company is also because of the actual style and aesthetics of their design. But, in their choice of designer who they would want to employ. As well as showing them a portfolio that meets their standards I would also want to show what I can bring to the company that will benefit them. I would have had little experience in the design industry , so perhaps a fresh perspective on design and designing for sustainability. they work in across a wide range of media, I am bound to please them in one of them and this is what i intend to do. Specialize and gain skills that others may not have: knowledge in sustainability and design eg. green technology.
interesting to hear that finding a GD company in Thailand was problematic-maybe you should go back and set one up with your BA and your MA-you will be well qualified.
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