Bulimia is a serious eating disorder that can have severe physical and psychological health consequences and it can affect people of all ages, including adolescents and young adults. Now, you might be wondering just why a graphic designer is broaching such a delicate and serious topic. Well – on Friday my 12 year old daughter went to hospital for just this reason – her school observed her deteriorating health and made a call. This call saved her life. Next thing I knew I was face to face with all kinds of health professionals talking about this subject in great depth, coming to terms with our lives which are now forever changed. This experience has left me in a somewhat reflective mood. Not only am I trying to understand the potential dangers and health risks associated with this disorder but now I am continuing my journey as a graphic designer but with a different perspective.
Perspective – very important I think especially when you are a graphic designer starting out and wondering which path to take. There are just so many rabbit holes a graphic designer can go down – motion graphics, editorial, typography, social media expert. When I started studying for my graphic design diploma a year ago it was to digitise my already existing business degree. Purpose – Now with this new chapter in our lives I see my perspective changing and real direction forming with a worthwhile purpose. This is a chance to make a difference, through the manipulation of images and really telling a story.
Look at that we have 2P’s already – takes me back to my very first semester of my diploma when I was learning about the 7 Design Principles:
- Emphasis
- Balance
- Alignment
- Contrast
- Repetition
- Proportion
- Movement
These are rules a designer follows to create effective and attractive composition and this is where design differs from art – it has purpose. There’s that P word again. Let’s call these the P’s required for a designer to find their way and maybe even get on their way to creating wonderfully purpose driven designs with perspective that makes a difference to people and their lives. Although it’s not ideal to have a loved one in hospital, it does mean we are human and as long as it facilitates good learning and development then we can at least push through and make it to the other end alive.
Image of a child in hospital with the Starlight clowns: created using the Adobe Capture App – try it it’s very helpful in creating images, colour gradients, patterns, colour swatches, outlines, etc.