#dissertation thoughts

Do graphic designers need an ethical code? It’s often a balancing act between money and integrity. 

Standing up for your beliefs, being professional and doing your best is integrity. But alongside this is also perhaps a cultural awareness. There shouldn’t be any offensiveness to groups of people in your work. Humour is separate to discrimination. My view is that you can’t have integrity and still be offensive in your work as it shows a lack of care. 

The brands we work for, the products we create, the materials we use all define our integrity, as does our personal manner and work ethic. It’s so easy to become a sell-out in the industry that any perhaps don’t even realise. When you sell-out in graphic design, are you just another doormat designer? There’s nothing of you in your work, no morals, no self-expression, and isn’t that the ultimate robot designer? 

Should a graphic designer suppress their desire for personal expression in client work?