I contacted several places with few results...Out of state:
Ogilvy and Mather
SS+K
In state:
Factory Labs
White Ink
Ones that responded:
Robin Strelow
Karen Steenekamp
The Pro Bono Project involves investigating the world of pro bono design work, interviewing the actual designers, and detailing their design process as described in the AIGA article "Why Design."
Not many responses to date and most didn't have time.
A crisis of perception for sure in my opinion but as Kurt Vonnegut says "so it goes...."
Karen Steenekamp of Open Design was great to talk to. She graciously shared the client design strategy and the questionnaire she developed as a result. On pro bono work... she was definitive, '"it is... "-not something to jump into. Given the constraints of that type of work it can be a challenge for a small design firm without a lot of resources.
I've been invited to talk with Robin Strelow tomorrow. She did a spread of brochures in Communication Arts developed for The Rocky Mountain Institute. Her style reminded me of the work by Ogilvy. Her pro bono work is simple newsletters or letter heads. I shall find out more tomorrow.
My process:
When I realized all great designers, even not so great designers out there were not dying to talk and give advice to an impressionable design student, I was up against a business park wall so to speak.
My Strategy:
Go local. I got results when I dived into the local scene, the real people, the humble median, those still looking for their 7 minutes(?) of fame.
My Interview:
That has yet to occur but I sent an outline of my topics and questions in an email to Robin. I developed it from the AIGA article "Why Design." Some of the steps outlined in the article seemed contrived and repetitive, so I used Burrough's cut up method.
I found a great link about famous graphic designers...
Design Talkboard
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2 comments:
Hmm, its interesting to hear about the different opinions designers have about pro bono work. Steenekamp's comment that its a waste of time is one shared by other designers out there that might think that since its not paid and might not offer much exposure that it might not be a worthwhile endeavor. Other designers feel that the chance to use their craft to contribute to a cause they feel strongly about outweighs the possible negatives.
I agree with you. I think Steenekamp's response was based on her financial ability vs time required, which for a small firm is a real consideration. I also think without an interview process or formal structure it would be easy to be taken advantage by those simply looking for free design.
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