TakingITGlobal

Unit 2: Cultural Creations and Business CREATE TO LEARN S Vincent March 8, 2021 Found at: https://vincentdesign.ca/2021/03/08/ considerations-and-best-practices-in-indigenous-design/ "Consider the reception and implication of all designs so that they protect the environment, are sustainable, and remain respectful of Indigenous cultures over deep time: past, present and future." Protocol 8, International Indigenous Design Charter The fi eld of professional graphic design is a creative arts industry with a long history, many diverse infl uences and a foundation of key skills, knowledge and practice. For example, in design school, those of us called to this fi eld spent a lot of time considering what constitutes "good design", how to recognize it and how to create it. We trained in colour theory, typography, ratios and the Rule of Thirds. We drew lines for days (months!), developed our skills at page layout, and learned to create clean, versatile logos. In both web and graphic design, we also learned to apply User Experience (UX) Design, a professional standard for ensuring that artistry and visual appeal also meets the practical needs of clients and audiences. Above all, professional designers learn through education, mentorship and experience to create designs that tell stories, refl ect tone, convey emotions and encourage conversation. These are the foundations of the design industry as a whole, and thus they also inform and infl uence the evolving movement of Indigenous Design. There are, however, extra layers to consider with Indigenous Design, whether the work is being created by an Indigenous designer or when the project and material is Indigenous – or both. At Vincent Design, we like to approach these considerations as best practices and guiding prin- ciples. We share some of them here, along with examples from our own portfolio, to contribute to the growth and conversation about Indigenous design. AUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION All memorable, iconic brands and designs are about storytelling – and Indigenous cultures bring a long storytelling tradition that can enrich and inform graphic designs. These stories are spiritual, symbolic and sacred; they are not meant to be used or shared lightly. But they are not frozen in time either. In our work, we must blend the meaning of these stories into contemporary realities and modern platforms, avoiding tropes and stereotypes, while also "Considerations And Best Practices In Indigenous Design"

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