Design & Shine
This year, I plan on implementing a series of equitable graphic design workshops in low-socioeconomic communities, starting with my hometown of Farmersville, California. These workshops will target children from kindergarten to twelfth grade and will be of no cost to the participants.
Equity Survey
In a recent survey I conducted, I received feedback from 127 participants about their experiences with graphic design to better understand equitable graphic design and its potential impact. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared.
Out of 127 participants, 67.7% were brought up in a low-socioeconomic community, 59.8% were Hispanic, 64% believed creative jobs were discouraged in school, 51.2% did not know about graphic design until high school, 54.3% did not have a graphic design program at their high school, and 79.5% believed they would have benefited from being exposed to graphic design at an early age, even if they did not want to be a graphic designer.
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As someone from a low-socioeconomic community about to obtain a BFA in Graphic Design, I know firsthand that it is a costly field. My personal struggles have allowed me to understand why equitable graphic design is so important, especially for vulnerable communities. I plan on incorporating more accessible materials that the students are familiar with and highlighting products they know and like. For example, during the first set of workshops, I will work with the students to create their own cereal box packaging.
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Early exposure to design can spark creativity and open doors to future opportunities. It is essential for children, especially those from low-socioeconomic communities, to learn about different types of jobs even if they don't want to pursue them. This exposure shows them the possibilities and opportunities beyond what they may know in their neighborhood. It can inspire them to dream big and set ambitious goals, no matter their current situation. By learning about different jobs, they can figure out what they're interested in, good at, and want to do when they grow up.
Additionally, people from communities like mine may not have the same access to information and resources as others. By showing them different career options, we can help level the playing field and give them a better idea of what opportunities are available, eventually diversifying the workforce. Showing kids from different backgrounds different jobs can help create a more inclusive and diverse workforce, where people from all backgrounds can do well and bring their own unique perspectives and talents.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about these workshops. I will make updates regarding this project here on my website and social media accounts, so feel free to follow or join in on this journey. If you would like to collaborate, feel free to reach out by filling out a contact form or through any of my linked socials.
A special thanks to my professor, Virginia Patterson, for leading me to the resources that made this possible and for her willingness to help her students thrive in and outside the classroom.