We each do what we do because we have a vision of what the world could - PDF document

1 We each do what we do because we have a
We each do what we do because we have a vision of what the world could be. Cada uno de nosotros, hacemos lo que hacemos, porque tenemos una visi—n de lo que el mundo podr’a ser. The world is made of our hopes, our dreams, our aspirations. It is also made of our fears, our worries, our deprivations. Which world are you going to choose to live in? Which world are you going to choose to make? I volunteer 20 hours each week and run my business the other 20. With my volunteer time I serve on the boards of five non-profit organizations such as CityMoves. CityMoves puts on after-school, elementary school dance programs for public schools. The key to truly educating any group about the value of design is to affect policy change by serving on the board, not just providing pro bono work. We worked with the board and renamed the organization (from San Diego Dance Institute back to CityMoves), wrote a new mission statement, and later developed a new graphic identity. The new mission statement we wrote reads, ÒTo empower children, through dance, to create, build relationships, and connect to their community.Ó Organizations can be deeply awakened to the power of design. A strong identity is a critical component in recruiting desired board members, development and marketing. My goal is to run a good business that allows me the time and freedom to be involved in my community. And design is the best tool I have to help me connect to my community. And, actually, my business is more profitable because serving on all these boards has taught me to delegate truly effectively and focus on our core competencies. I teach these skills to my students in San Diego and Baja, Mexico and many groups throughout North America. We all know that the primary skill that distinguishes a graphic designer from all other design disciplines is his or her deep knowledge of type and its potential to morph and communicate messages with emotion, passion and meaning. I hope that the primary skill that distinguishes the truly worthy graphic designers is their ability to use design for the public good. Bennett Peji, Principal Bennett Peji Design, (619) 238-4555, www.pejidesign.com Discipline: Graphic and Web Design Bennett Peji is President Emeritus and has served on the board of the San Diego chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) for 10 years. He was Presidents Council Chair on the national board in 1997-8. Bennett is principal of Bennett Peji Design, a graphic and web design firm based in San Diego, California for over 13 years. The firm has received national and international design awards including those from Graphis, CanadaÕs Studio Magazine, The New York Art DirectorÕs Club, AIGA, Communication Arts Magazine, New York Type Directors Club, PRINT Magazine, HOW Magazine and Art Direction Magazine. The firmÕs work has been exhibited throughout the U.S., Europe, Canada, South America, Australia, Japan and other parts of Asia. Bennett currently serves on the Public Arts Committee of the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. He serves on the boards of CityMoves and the Baja California Missions Foundation. He is a BVA for the San Diego Performing Arts League, and American Express' National Arts Marketing Program. And Bennett teaches an advanced graphic design course at San Diego State University. www.pejidesign.com Left to Right: Clarissa Vendemiatti, Rick Dominguez, Lilia Peji (seated), Bennett Peji, Stefan Hontschik, Nick Inzunza. BENNETT PEJI DESIGN FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD PEOPLE TO WATCH JANUARY 2002 Graphic Design USA 84 Photo by Stephen Simpson