Quadriptych
What am I passionate about?
Sustainable design. Environmentally Sustainable design is the philosophy of designing physical objects, the built environment, and services to comply with the principles of ecological sustainability.
WHAT IS MY BACKGROUND?
I have lived in three UK cities in the last 6 years (Cardiff, Bath and Milton Keynes) which has required being flexible and adapting to my surroundings, but also being independent. I have had to work throughout my studies which has influenced my lifestyle, resulting in a very busy life. Interestingly, the culture of each city I have lived in has varied, but this is mainly down to me growing from teenager to adult, where my responsibilities and interests have changed with time. Time is now more precious, and priorities have evolved into wanting direction and a sense of fulfilment.
WHAT ARE MY VALUES?
Ethical, honest, reliable. What you see is what you get. Having an adaptable approach to working is important, being able to be flexible in the environment and scenario that you find yourself in. Organisation has always enabled me to think clearly.
WHAT AM I INSPIRED BY AND WHAT ARE MY INFLUENCES?
I am inspired by branding, and creating work which looks at the design process as a whole i.e. a restaurant and the elements that come with that, such as signage, advertisements, menus – rather than designing one artefact i.e. a logo. A good example of this is DIY Deli, a self-initiated project I have made since graduating. This was a moment where I realised I was able to think of sustainable design in a company, as DIY Deli uses fresh local produce. The packaging I designed has pepper, lettuce, tomato and carrot seeds in the pulp so the consumer is able to go home and plant their takeout packaging. This will then grow into fruit and vegetables that will provide nourishment to the environment and wildlife, and also reduce waste.
Image: DIY Deli, a self-initiated brief to produce branding for an ethical business.
I am influenced mostly by nature, and natural forms have always fascinated me. This stems from an adventurous childhood, surrounded by rural canals and forests. As I have grown, I have had an increasing interest in sustainable design, particularly how design and science combine to benefit the environment. It is also one thing to be influenced by the environment, and another to design with the environment in mind.
Above, I have attached photos of design that influences the way I approach briefs through using sustainable materials. The combination of science and design is a subject that I really enjoy exploring – the more I research the industry of biodegradable/bi-product packaging I realise there is no excuse for harmful waste to be produced i.e plastic. It is available and there is an option.
Where am I and what influences me here?
Milton Keynes, UK. The history behind this city really interests me. I moved up here after graduating in 2018, and in two years I’ve noticed the city population increase, housing estates expand and traffic jams worsen. Originally built to relieve housing congestion in London, the city is 25% urban space. There are even two SSI’s – Sites of Special Scientific Interest – Howe Park Wood and Oxley Mead. There are Redways built to encourage cycling, with underpasses and scenic routes in a grid network all over the city.
What role do I want to have as a Graphic Designer?
• Reliable, honest and ethical.
• Responsibly sourcing materials and suppliers.
• Inspire and influence.
• Raise awareness and educate.
• Communicate and to get the viewer thinking.
jesswhatley.design.blog 