Sonja Meyer

'Yell, Don't Whisper' is a 3 month design initiative that will enable me to work with a number of environmental non-profit organisations and action groups around Australia. Many such organisations are struggling to be heard, and it will be up to me to redesign and/or refresh their image by undertaking several design briefs to produce professional marketing and communication print collateral.

It's their turn to be heard and reach the audience they wish to reach. It's time graphic designers used their skills to be socially responsible and stop selling wasteful products!

I have recently been doing pro-bono design work for the Port Phillip EcoCentre:http://www.ecocentre.com
which has changed the image of the EcoCentre and helped them to better reach their intended audience. Previously, the EcoCentre attracted only limited visitors through their various roughly designed and inconsistent marketing and processes. By employing me to design professional marketing pieces, event posters and corporate communications, the image of EcoCentre has been completely refreshed, and a wider audience is now appreciating their work and what they have to offer. This has been highly beneficial to the EcoCentre and they have been able to hold sustainability workshops and launch an exciting new EcoMarket.

After working on multiple projects for the EcoCentre and finding the results to be positive and the experience rewarding, I considered the possibility that there were many similar organisations around the country who may be struggling to be heard, and simply don't have the budget for a professional designer to strengthen their brand and effectively communicate their message.
 

What I wish to achieve in undertaking this project is:

To find a number of organisations around the country similar to the EcoCentre who are interested in employing my services on a pro-bono basis for a limited time. Each organisation will brief me in person on a number of design projects they wish to have produced at no cost.

Prior to the project commencement date, I will have chosen one or two organisations from each state that I deem eligible. I will make my decisions based on how much I feel the organisation may need my services, as well as possible design projects that the organisation may have in the pipeline.

I will visit each organisation, one state at a time, and meet with their business manager to gain a complete understanding of their marketing plan, and what they wish to achieve by enlisting my services. I will then return to Melbourne and schedule a time to work on and complete each design brief before moving on to the next state/area. This plan of action may change depending on intended deadlines, project amendments, resource availability etc.

I also intend to educate each organisation on recycled paper options, FSC certified environmental printers they can work with in their area, and how to create their marketing material in a more environmentally friendly way such as designing pieces to be reused where possible (for example, by including a sausage sizzle voucher on a promotional flyer).

The funding will cover:

My travel expenses (flights, petrol and basic accommodation)  

It will also ensure that I don't starve while I have my head buried deep in design work for 3 months full time.

If I do end up getting enough funding to go ahead with the project, I really think this could be great for so many people! If I receive more funding than my goal amount, I will use the additional funds to extend the project time and help even more non-profits who need to be heard.

For more information on what's achievable, contact Bede Doherty at the Port Phillip EcoCentre to talk to him about the work we've done so far. [email protected]