Thesis Writing #2
First Person:
I will strive to create design that matters. I will engage and provoke my audience. I will utilize the appropriate means for the problem at hand. I will not forget who my audience is and why and I am designing for them. I am ready to start the conversation; to become part of the solution instead of contributing to the problem.
Second Person:
As a graphic designer, you are responsible for the effect your work has on society. Utilize your professional practice to contribute to, not detract from, ongoing social discourse. Encourage and foster a climate of change instead of a stagnant and unengaged approach. Be willing to address social issues such as poverty, crime and standard of living in your work.
Third Person:
According to the First Things First Manifesto, designers should put their problem-solving skills to a more worthwhile use by addressing urgent cultural and social issues, instead of devoting their time and energy primarily to advertising, marketing, and branding.
This is a clear and purposeful response to the writing assignment. Each mode of address offers a different experience to the reader. The first one sounds almost confessional (“13 steps”), while the second one feels a bit preachy and pushy. The third one, on the other hand, doesn’t make me feel as involved in the issues. Thus you have done an excellent job conveying your ideas from different (even extreme) perspective. A challenge for you as you move forward will be to strike a balance among these tones of voice so that the reader feels engaged but not put off. For example, when writing in the second person, you can take a less confrontational stance by saying “You can encourage and foster…” instead of making a command.
Ellen Lupton
October 6, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Illuminating experiments. Ellen’s comments are in line with my thoughts about each paragraph.
Jennifer Cole Phillips
October 13, 2008 at 12:58 am