A Day of Graphic Design Volunteerism
Design Day for GOOD is a collaborative initiative composed of volunteers, designers, communicators, marketers, and design thinkers led by Cyan Bold Design and hosted by Staples Studio Kelowna in partnership with the Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) BC Chapter. It is a day of graphic design volunteerism that draws from the GDC SKN Design Day concept and follows the same premise – design as many meaningful assets as possible for local nonprofit organizations to help further their causes and boost their visual voice in one day. The overall goal is to use design and design thinking to build up the communities we live in. My belief is that design can be used as a force for positive change and should be offered for free in certain circumstances. For more on my viewpoint on pro bono work check out my blog – The Importance of Using Design for GOOD.
The COVID-19 Hurdle
Bringing Design Day for GOOD to Kelowna was no easy feat during a pandemic, but it has been successfully arranged twice. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit we were forced to postpone indefinitely. Thankfully, Staples Studio Kelowna was quick to respond with the most up-to-date workplace safety measures for us to follow. With a few adjustments to the original event format, we adapted to a distanced model with remote work options. Using a dedicated Slack channel, Zoom, smartboard, Spotlight (event space), workstations, and a reliable WiFi network we were able to work together seamlessly. Being provided nourishment, beverages, and surprises were the icing on the cake. We owe a huge amount of gratitude to the generosity of Staples Studio as a community partner on this event.
No co-working space would be complete without an engaging and encouraging Community Manager. Matt Stewart, Community Manager of Staples Studio Kelowna has been a rock of support during these uncertain times. For each event, he was the technician, sanitizer, waiter, community connector, public speaker, showrunner, troubleshooter, co-organizer, and problem-solver. He was on board with this initiative since day one and I couldn’t think of a better representative for Staples Studio Kelowna. Thank you, Matt and Staples Studio for being the hosts with the most!
Show me the Graphic Design!
So much great work has been done over the years for Design Day for GOOD. Below is a list of gracious volunteers that lent their skills and talents to local nonprofit organizations as well as their design solutions. Superstar teams became dedicated design agencies for a day. Their collective talents, experiences, and skills were pooled together to accomplish a shortlist of tasks for nonprofit organizations in need.
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Matt Stewart
VOLUNTEER
Christine White
TEAM ETCETERA
Avril Paice – Etcetera Representative
Tory Braun (Clever Girl) – Team Lead
Phred Martin, CGD (Splash Design) – Design
Alex Hennig (Clear Design) – Design
Liz Govier (Liz Go) – Web Design & Social Media
Amy Gopal – Communications/Marketing
Team Etcetera was tasked with boosting community awareness of Etcetera 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Group and generating financial support for the program through encouraging community donations. They were encouraged to think about ways they might be able to engage the participants (who endearingly call themselves the Glitter Critters) in the design process and give them something they could own as well.
As a result, the digital assets that were delivered far exceeded expectations. Team Etcetera developed a unique design system for social media posts and further asset development. They created designs for logo variations, rack cards, shirts, social media posts, and more.
TEAM PLAN OKANAGAN
Denise Martell – PLAN Okanagan Representative
Chris Bingham (Me/Cyan Bold Design) – Team Lead
Laura Bonin (Work BC) – Communications/Marketing
Eryca Stirling (Eryca Stirling Designs) – Design
Sarah Tucker (Graphically Hip) – Design
Vanessa Devine (Vanessa the Hobbyist) – Research & Design
Team PLAN Okanagan was tasked with amplifying PLAN Okanagan’s visual voice within the community amongst their participants and supporters. PLAN Okanagan also required new approaches to soliciting donors in the community and encouraging community involvement. It was imperative to consider participants within PLAN Okanagan’s network and their needs when developing materials and assets.
As a result, the digital assets, strategies, and mock-ups that were delivered surpassed the task goals. Team PLAN Okanagan was very inventive and productive in producing designs. There were so many options for PLAN Okanagan to choose from and not everything is posted here. We created designs for retractable banners, table covers, a presentation deck, a letter of asking, shirts, buttons, stickers, wheelchair bags, totes, reusable cups, pop-sockets, and more.
Congratulations to everyone involved in making Design Day for GOOD such a success!