Design For Right

Choose a creative partner who believes in capitalism

Most successful business owners identify as capitalists. It makes sense. Owning a business means accepting risk. With that risk comes the opportunity for great reward. A paycheck isn't guaranteed, but the potential return is greater than any fixed wage. Capitalists understand this and embrace risk.

By contrast, the media landscape is littered with designers who leverage their popularity — and high price tags — to back political movements and campaigns that threaten the very existence of small business. They effectively spend their lives advocating against capitalism — until it's time to invoice the client, of course.

I'm not talking about the disgruntled starving artist with the proverbial ax to grind against the establishment. I mean thought leaders in art, music, design, and media who openly rail against capitalism and promote socialist ideology while deflecting attention from the hypocrisy of their own commercial success.

Why give your money to someone who doesn't share your vision?

I believe everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. Freedom of expression is what makes America great. What I don't understand is why so many in art and design use their platforms to oppose the very system that keeps them well-fed. And I find it odd that entrepreneurs and small business owners feel the only way to grow their brands is to hire design agencies whose values don't align with their own.

I'm a capitalist

Unlike most creatives, I love capitalism. I believe society is strengthened when individuals voluntarily exchange resources for mutual benefit. Capitalism breeds innovation, service, and stewardship. It allows parties to trade in a way that adds value for all. Free enterprise has done more to reduce poverty and promote social good than any piece of legislation ever written.

Vote with your wallet

Graphic design isn't fine art, but it evokes emotion. Brand design isn't about social commentary, but it may help improve society. Ultimately, I believe design serves to anchor a brand, distinguish a brand, and communicate a brand's ideals to the market. From there, the consumer gets to choose who earns his business. If consumers can choose to associate with brands that resonate with them on a personal level, don't you as a business owner deserve the same choice when hiring a designer?