The first digital reader was made available in the United States in September 2006. Years before that, in 1732, Benjamin Franklin published “Poor Richard’s Almanac.” Three editions were sold within a few months. Richard Saunders, the publisher, and Bridget, his wife, both aliases of Benjamin Franklin; his method of offering two sides to a story (somewhat objective journalism). So where’s the common thread? People like to get news and feel connected. Clearly what the reader is interested in and how that reader gets that information differs. Content and delivery remain dynamic variables. As a designer it’s exciting to know you can shape the delivery of the message. What message you facilitate is equally important. Remaining consistent in the brand helps the audience find you quickly, and allows for several simultaneous messages. For example, you’re flying down the road, that siren (mermaid) catches your eye; you’d know her anywhere. Siren encircled in green with the letters s,t,a,r,b,u,c,k,s equals good coffee. And perhaps that triggers the purchase of a muffin. You get the point. The same efforts have been poured (excuse the pun) into the branding of Artisans’ World Marketplace. We want you to recognize us and know what we are about. The stories of the artisans are as varied as the product we sell, but they funnel down to a single goal — providing work with dignity in safe work conditions to help move dreams to reality.
Pictured is a selection of handmade paper bags sold at Artisans’ World Marketplace; here’s how the sale of these makes a difference:
Six thousand women sell their bodies to 20,000 men every day on the streets of North Calcutta, India. For most women it is the only life they will ever know. These women didn’t choose their profession, it chose them. Poverty does that. It robs people of their dignity and children of their innocence. They live and work in the same area but instead of selling their bodies they now make and sell Freeset bags. For the first time in their lives they have a choice – choices that have given them hope and freedom. Now their daughters won’t have to stand in the streets as they once did. Freedom will be passed onto the next generation.
It’s hard to resist buying every bag you can get your hands on. Look around, notice where your eyes are led and perhaps you’ll broaden your view…design rocks.