Can a graphic designer be a catalyst for positive change? Breaking down the concept of “green design” step-by-step, respected industry leader Brian Dougherty discusses how designers can communicate, persuade, and ultimately spread a socially and ecologically responsible message to both consumers and corporations. Green Graphic Design reframes the way designers can think about the work they create, while remaining focused on cost constraints and corporate identity. Simple, eco-innovative changes in all phases of the design process will be discussed, including:

Picking projects • Strategizing with clients • Building strong green brands • Choosing materials for manufacture and shipping • Picking ink and paper • Binding • Working with clients to foster transparency and corporate social responsibility

Brian’s work challenges old ideas and methods—forcing the design to move from intentions to actions within a framework of practical concerns and profitability. His approach, which Brian calls “Designing Backwards”, begins with the design artifact’s ultimate destiny. Working backward, he takes into consideration factors such as re-usability, carbon footprint, printing optimization, warehousing, transportation and paper choices to bring the most value to the client and the highest sustainability to the project.

Date: Thursday, April 9th
Time: Reception 6:30pm, Presentation 7:15pm
Location: Fred Huette Center, 1000 Botetourt Gardens, Norfolk, VA

Members: Free
Non-members: $15 online ($20 at the door)
Students: $5 online ($5 at the door)