Cast Iron Design

Cast Iron Design was researched as part of OUGD501 Studio Brief 03. I have contact Cast Iron Design as they are a sustainably driven studio who only work with clients whose values reflect their own. This is a very current practice that very few studios fully commit to. 

Q1 - What is your understanding of social responsibility?

I grabbed this from the web, but it’s much better than what I’d have ad libbed: Social responsibility is a duty every individual/organization has to perform so as to maintain a balance between the economy and the ecosystems.

Q2 - is your personal/professional understanding different?

My personal understanding isn’t different, but I do feel compelled to dedicate my life to fulfilling that duty.

Q3 - If so, has one influenced the other and in what way?

Absolutely. My personal interest in sustainability has had an enormous impact on the way we run the business professionally. In fact, it was the reason the business was started—to practice social responsibility and share knowledge with others. 

(Sharing knowledge is important, it informs, educates and improves understanding. This is something to consider in terms of the practical response.) 

Q4 - In what way, if any, do your values influence the way you respond to a brief?

We turn down work that doesn’t align with our values. Just yesterday we turned down an opportunity with a national pork supplier due to the enormous environmental impact of meat and the cruelties of conventional factory farming practices. This happens fairly regularly, and we find that the clients we get are better because of our selectiveness. People that care—that have empathy in lieu of apathy—are usually nicer people and tend to make great clients.

(This is an example of a graphic designer who does not just work for money. They evidently see design for its greater importance. Not all may agree but it is important to follow your own values.)

Q5 - I’m currently looking into how the social responsibility of graphic designers has changed over time, starting from the Industrial Revolution.  Are you seeing an increase in environmentally responsible designers? Are more people becoming aware of the impact they can make?

We’re seeing an increase in empathy in the students we talk to today. They care more about important social, environmental, and political issues than their predecessors. We’re definitely seeing an increase in socially responsible designers, but not quite as much as I’d like to see. I believe the coming decade will see a much greater increase in this area.

(Student - more socially aware? Why?- internet, education...more of a care giving society?)

Q6 - Are you seeing an increase in the market for environmentally responsible designers? 

Definitely. Brands that are taking a stance, using their voice to effect positive change, are increasing. Brands like TOMS and Patagonia have paved the way, and it’s now common for companies to have values that extend beyond offering great products/services. 

(Patagonia - 'One of the most responsible things we can do as a company is to make high quality stuff that lasts for years and can be repaired, so you don't have to buy more of it' - Could I focus on brands?)

Q7 - Who are your main influences in the creative field/life?

At the moment, we’re not aware of any design studios creating top-notch work and deeply integrating environmentally responsible practices (we’re trying the best we can to do just that). As a result, our influences are divided into environmentally responsible inspirations and concept/aesthetic inspirations. Regarding the former category, Eric Benson & Yvette Petrullo are the founders of Re-nourish, an organization that disseminates information about green design and provides valuable resources, such as their Project Calculator.

Q8 - I have read through your suggested reading list. Can you recommend anymore?

Eric and Yvette recently wrote a great book, Design to Renourish. Unfortunately, there are very few books published on the topic of green graphic design. All of John Thackara’s work is great, although often dense and theoretical.