Artisan is always keen to hear the thoughts of some of the freelance creatives that we deal with in relation to issues that effect their work and our industry. Artisan would like to welcome Graphic Designer Natalie Foster, who has kindly offered up her views on Eco-Design in 2009.

Embarking on a new working year in Melbourne I feel a fresh motivation to re-assess my design ethics and use a richer palette of green. With climate change reports becoming increasingly grave we are all taking our responsibility towards the environment more seriously than ever. There’s no question that as a graphic designer my choices can make a significant difference to greenhouse gas emissions, toxic waste, water usage and recycling.

Attending December’s Sustainability Drinks event at the Greenhouse in Fed Square, (with the AGDA Christmas Party conveniently kicking off a floor below) it was encouraging to meet some of the professionals who bring sustainability awareness into the workplace. It’s a healthy sign for the future that companies are greening up their brands, as it is client support that is key to making sustainable design achievable.

One New Years resolution is to improve my life-cycle thinking. How can I reduce the environmental impact of my designed product from cradle to grave - or better still - cradle to cradle? Can I use less ink, less paper and less processing? Designers love to work within the constraints of a brief - making sustainability a constraint just adds to the challenge of finding a creative and original solution.

There are fantastic resources available to help graphic designers implement eco-design so there’s little reason why we should be behind as a discipline on responsible practices. Environmentally conscientious printers and manufacturers are listed on the Green Directory and guides or ‘sustainability kits’ are published on websites such as Design By Nature and Design Victoria (who are hosting Eco Design seminars and workshops throughout 2009). The Sustainable Living Festival to be held in Federation Square this February will also be an informative event to help educate us on the bigger picture.

So as a freelancer this year I hope to tune into my studio’s eco-wavelength and endeavour to make informed suggestions of how to tackle a brief with sustainability in mind, stretching my creativity over green hills and yonder.

For more information on this topic, i'd recommend checking on the following links:
www.melbournesustainabilitydrinks.com
www.thegreendirectory.com.au
www.printtogether.com.au
www.designbynature.org
www.designvic.com/sustainabilitykit.aspx
www.slf.org.au/festival/sustainabiilty
www.02.org
http://readymade.com

Do you have an opinion on this topic that you would like to share? Then email Artisan and we'll gladly publish your thoughts!