Design Can

Hats off to Not Flat 3 for trying to do something about homogeneity in the design industry. I hope their Design Can manifesto gains support because as an industry we’re one of the worst for hiring in our own image. Not diverse at all. A comment a boss of mine made many years back has always stuck: That despite being part of the creative sector, the world of graphic design is dogged by conservatism. Let’s get braver about going out to schools, colleges and the world at large to explain what we do, why it matters, and why it’s so important we get a wider mix of people into the industry. Our positive impact could be even greater. Some more advanced thinking about apprenticeships and grad programmes could also be the way to go to show our professionalism and the career opportunities that exist. Agencies tend to just hire people in, without too much thought given to how we train, mentor, provide challenge, explain a career path and encourage people to be and bring their whole selves to work. Other professions do it. Why can’t we? Why aren’t we?