Scott McClure Explains re|THINK

July 27, 2008 Filed Under: Events , Guest Bloggers 1 Comments

Solving design problems, we often inject emotion into our work. We can't help it. Because as objective as we'd like to be about something we created, it’s still inevitably a part of us, something that helps define who we are. 

I've often thought that this is what differentiates design from so many other professions. It's the creative process that makes us passionate, driven, inspired as we strive to not only communicate a message, but convey a feeling to the audience. And therein lies what the re|THINK initiative is all about. 

Bringing a talented group of creative minds together around a common cause: in this case, advocating important environmental issues, with the aim of broadening perspectives and changing behaviors.

re|THINK was created to be more than just a poster show. It’s a personal call to action to all who experience it. It's the type of social design advocacy our region has needed for a long time. 

So when AIGA Raleigh put out a call for entries for the first-ever re|THINK Our Environment in the Carolinas Poster Exhibition, it was no surprise that over 130 designers across the Southeast answered the call. Twenty of those submitted were picked by a panel of judges to be produced in a limited edition. Those posters have been sold at several events and exhibitions, with proceeds going to an environmental charity. 

The response from the early exhibitions has been overwhelming, insuring the future success of the initiative. What’s more, there has been an amazing amount of interest in this collective outlet for advocacy —from both exhibition attendees  and the designers who participated. What started as a small local poster exhibition in the Carolinas has spread across the country with exhibitions being planned from Richmond to Seattle. The best part of this growth is that the issues are relatively the same, and the message is being received and effecting change regardless of location. 

re|THINK is now established as a great medium for designers to create public awareness. There is already talk of future themes to "rethink".  And I'd like to invite you to participate. What do you think, as a design community, we should re|THINK next?

You can view the re|THINK posters at AIGA Charlotte’s next Meet|Market event.  Or find out more other upcoming exhibitions visit:

www.rethinkposters.com.

Written by: Scott McClure, AIGA Raleigh