During my last year at the Glasgow School of Art I wrote an extended based on the First Things First 2000 Manifesto. The essay examines the First Things First 2000 manifesto signed by graphic designers and how relevant it is in modern society. It also looks at the issue of consumerism, specifically, the writings of author Naomi Klein and anthropologist Daniel Miller. The roles and social responsibilities of graphic designers are being presented and discussed in terms of dignity and moral values within different commercial projects. It debates the question, are the ideas presented in the manifesto realistic and achievable; or are they just idealistic dreams – good ones to believe, but impossible to be achieved?
As a response to the essay I have decided to craete a piece of printed material that would reflect the values and aims presented in the FTF. My aim was to create a graphic design that would be effective challenging the use of materials, choosing the most basic, low cost production. This piece proves that valuable and effective, quality design, that carries the message, can be created within very limited amount budget.
A publication was made of two parts [1– First Things First 2000 Manifesto & the list of its signatories; 2– 'First Things First 2000: an idealistic dream?' essay].
One color digital print on white paper.