Most graphic designers hope to do work that means something, that resonates with them and also makes a positive difference in the world. The reality is that, yes, there are jobs, clients, and projects which make you feel great. Things that you can believe in, and design work that you’re proud of. There are also the “filler” jobs. It would be wonderful to live the ideal all the time, but bills need to be paid and food needs to be on the table. These jobs aren’t offesive in any way, but they’re not exactly inspiring. A catalog for a septic system installer, a web site for a property management company, a logo for a hardware store. Fine, needed work, but nothing noble.
Then there are the other jobs. Would you design an ad for cigarettes? How about for a political candidate you don’t endorse? A company who publicly supports a cause you don’t believe in? How about a trade magazine for the fur industry?
I did. I was the art director for Fur Age Magazine from 1996-1998.
Taking that job required a lot of soul searching. On the positive side, it was an amazing opportunity for someone with only a few years of experience in design. I not only did a complete magazine redesign, but I laid out every editorial page of the magazine and the cover, did the technical production, and the photography art direction for each issue. I worked directly with the photographer, editor and printer. I hired models, decided on photo shoot locales, and chose the makeup artists and hair stylists. And I had absolute free rein over the design. It was incredible.
On the negative side, I don’t wear fur. It’s not something that I could ever see myself buying. And, to be perfectly honest, I don’t really believe in it.
But…
I do eat meat. And wear leather. And I absolutely believe in each individual’s right to choose her own path and follow her own beliefs. And, when it came right down to it, it was too good of a job to pass up.
But did I do the right thing? I still don’t know. We all like to think that there are lines we wouldn’t cross, and I certainly believe that about myself. I do an enormous amount of non-profit work at a discount for organizations I believe in (none fur industry related). Given the same opportunity now, I wouldn’t take it. But I’m ten years further along in my career and I don’t need the experience or the money the way I did back then.
What do you think? Have you ever had a similar experience? What did you choose?
