Advertisers and Designers: please stop using archaic stereotypes

Like other women, myself and my friends have faced sexism and misogyny since our teens. Close people in my life have faced casual sexism, groping, harassment, rape and (a close family friend) – murder from an ex partner. This list is emotional to write and stirs up many emotions. And we still have to repeat this conversation.

It got me thinking again how the design sector often contributes to this bigger problem. Advertising and marketing has a lot to answer for.

By Mandy Barker

Ego, ethics and purpose

In November, we were honoured to join a panel alongside Crystallised, Curious, Out the Box and Slung Low Theatre. The topic was ego and purpose. We wanted to share some of our thoughts on the subject here.

Design Activism

Last night I had the pleasure of speaking to the wonderful Ladies Wine and Design community in Newcastle: A monthly salon night connecting creatives in the North East of England. My talk theme was ‘Design for Good’, with donations going to my choice of charity – the Angelou Centre. The Angelou Centre is a black-led women’s centre based in Newcastle upon Tyne. They support black women, children and women of colour locally, from training and development to fighting to end violence – their work is incredibly important.

It was an inspiring evening where we got to chat all things social change, inspiring content, recommended reading and how we can make change using our skills as creatives. Shout out to everyone on the call, please do keep in touch!

By Mandy Barker

Creative Industries must do more to be Anti-Racist

We had a chat with Renee Davis today to ask what more we can do as allies of the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

RACE MATTERS

RACE MATTERS. It matters not only because equality is a FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT. It matters for representation, perspective, dignity, respect, evolution, humanity.

Today, black out Tuesday – what an incredible campaign showing solidarity gone viral. But, don’t just post. Share resources. Educate each other. We can all do more but we need the signposts.

White people need to learn to feel uncomfortable. The world is built on structural racism, we need to DO MORE. 

Follow, read, listen and learn. Connect with the accounts of black voices. Donate to a black organisation so they can continue their crucial work. Think of ways YOUR workplace can do more. ASK black people. Understand your privilege and what you can do to do more…

Stamping out the stigma

Danni here – Today is the first day that marks Mental Health Awareness week and I wanted to take this opportunity to shout about The Made of Millions Foundation and to share my own experiences with mental health in the hope that we can all keep taking positive steps forward in fighting the stigma.