Ethics Assignment – Entry 2

2A) As a designer, my number one priority is to provide the most original and creative work possible for my clients. I tried to limit the sources from which I pull most of my assets. I stick to stock photography and illustrations websites archive that provide works under a creative commons license (often no attribution is required). However, there are sometimes moments that I need a specific image that I’m unable to find. I would manipulate the royalty-free graphics available to recreate the idea. I try to be truthful in its representation for false marketing leads to problems as seen in the article, “Ethics of Design”. The author explains how Sunny Delight markets its juice as being healthy and consisting of fruits. However, the ingredients rely heavily on water, vegetable oil, sugar, flavors, and only 5% oranges. People are consistently drinking this thinking it’ll give a positive in their health when it does the opposite. We must be aware of what the product is offering, the business that sells it, and the customers receiving it to design the project. One mishap in any of them can easily negatively affect the rest as a chain reaction.

2B) The methods that Shepard Fairey used to design the Hope Poster for Obama were wrongfully unethical. The article, “Case Study on Fair Use and Fair Dealing: The Hope Poster Litigation,” mimics the photographer, Mannie Garcia, Obama’s image without giving proper credit. He was meant to receive the Garcia Clooney image. Instead of using the proper image, Fairey went took the Gracia Obama Image instead as it stood out more to him. Fairey continues to give credit for the Garcia Clooney Image even though it’s the wrong image. Moreover, he tries to cover up his mistake for 8 months with lies and fabricated evidence. Garcia and AP, the website that archives the photography, had the right to be mad. The artist became lucrative from the work of another designer.

In the court, AP argued that it’s barely transformative and original which can be called stealing. The designer, Fairey, captures the exact angle, expression, and pose within the Garcia Obama Image. Minor differences between the images like the color are duotone and the figure is broader/smoother outlines. However, Fairy fought back with the argument that expression is a natural feature found in the world. The image can be used because it’s not distinctive or unique enough to be called an original work. I believe it’s a poor excuse to strip the image away from its copyrights. In the article, ” H&M faced backlash over its ‘monkey’ sweatshirt ad. It isn’t the company’s only controversy,” we can’t ignore that such a large company would post such racially insensitive designs. Designers should stop shifting the blame onto mistakes that can easily be avoided. They should have done the proper research as it’s their responsibility when handling the project. They let their greed or selfish impulses create disastrous situations for themselves.

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