Manifesto

6C2, 6D2

The First Things First Manifesto

Written in 1963 and published in 1964 by Ken Garland along with 20 other designers, photographers and students, the manifesto was a reaction to the staunch society of 1960s Britain and called for a return to a humanist aspect of design. It lashed out against the fast-paced and often trivial productions of mainstream advertising, calling them trivial and time-consuming. Its solution was to focus efforts of design on education and public service tasks that promoted the betterment of society.

The influence of the manifesto was quick to reach a wide audience and was picked up by The Guardian, which led to a TV appearance by Garland on a BBC news program and its subsequent publication in a variety of journals, magazines and newspapers. It was revisited and republished by a group of new authors in the year 2000 and labeled as the First Things First Manifesto 2000.

What is a manifesto and why?

By getting a system of your ‘practice’ in place that clients can understand and accept through your working ‘Manifesto’ or ‘Mission statement’ means they can see ‘HOW’ you work and conduct business from the very outset.

A 'mission statement' is a short paragraph used by business to explain in simple and concise terms its purpose. They can have a dual purpose by helping employees to also stay focused on tasks to achieve this mission. Externally it sets out the specific image and direction that drives your practice as a ‘brand’. A ‘manifesto’ is a published verbal declaration of the intentions, motives, or views of the issuer.

Who I am as a designer

- Ethos behind my work

- Methods used

- What I want to achieve

My Manifesto:

Last year

1. Stay ethical. The purpose of your design should help people in some way, and not be at the cost of others
2. Try to be environmental with materials/ packaging/ strategy
3. Promote social inclusion when possible. This covers racism, homophobia, sexism and so on – keep all-inclusive design that does not stereotype or marginalise groups
4. Promote positive values and steer clear of political bias. This is not to say be apolitical, but allow a forum where people can deduce their own ideology based on information and visual literacy produced.
5. Always think outside the box - 'a smile in the mind' type design - point of difference.

This year 

MANIFESTO

1. I like to play
2. I like to combine the analogue and the digital, and therefore be inspired by the old to inform the new.
3. I like things that are not wasteful and have reason
4. I like things that entail social or environmental progression
5. I like things that are grassroots, bottom-up or give power to the people 
6. I like things that are culturally aware, the pooling of beliefs and most importantly – all-inclusive design.