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Empowered, by Design with Professor Deb Caponera

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Empowered, by Design with Professor Deb Caponera

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Pratt AAS/AOS Posters         for a Cause exhibition: Empowered, by Design Statement

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Pratt AAS/AOS Posters         for a Cause exhibition: Empowered, by Design Statement

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My name is Deb Caponera and

I’m a professor of graphic design

at Pratt Institute in the Associate Degrees department.

In partnership with the Grand Central Library, I’d like to welcome you to the 8th edition of the Posters for a Cause exhibition “Empowered, by Design”

Posters For a Cause is a project that cultivates an environment

in which advocacy and social responsibility can thrive through creative messaging, and where by, utilizing skills learned in class,

each student is tasked with designing a poster that conveys strong, compelling messaging to raise awareness and funds for a cause of their choice.

This project offers a way to engage each student with the specific objectives of the course-work so that they want to take ownership of the assignment, as well as embrace the idea of creating strong messages to generate action from the viewer. I also want students to understand how powerful they can be as designers, and the responsibility that goes with that power. With the Posters For a Cause project they are able to look beyond themselves to create social change and to influence and inspire others to do the same, while acquiring the skills and knowledge they need to be successful graphic designers.

In normal times Posters for

a Cause exhibitions hang at the
NY Public Library, Grand Central branch in Manhattan, but due to Covid-19 restrictions still in place, we bring this semester’s show and presentations to you virtually with hopes to hang the show at the library very soon. That said,
moving forward we will incorporate a virtual exhibition component
to future physical Posters for
a Cause exhibitions.

Empowered, by Design will be
in session from April 23 through
June 4, 2021, and I hope you will look through each of these important works of art and design. that my students have created, choose your favorite and make
a donation to the organization affiliated with the designer’s cause. The library will feature a poster per week on their social media with each designer’s information, a video presentation presentation, and donation information for the remainder of the show.

For more information please go to: https://www.facebook.com/

GrandCentralLibrary/

Thanks to Pratt Institute, and the Grand Central Library, for their continued support, and thanks
to all of you for stopping by.

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by Chantelle Price
Graphic Design 2022

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by Jessica Wilcox
Graphic Design 2021

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Poster for a Cause_Wit Poster_Jessica Wilcox 

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by Nikita Tsai
Graphic Design 2021

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by Gaeun Jeong
Graphic Design 2021

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by Emelen Mikelic
Graphic Design 2021

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by Mayisha Sohel
Graphic Design 2021

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Would You Ask How I Feel? Presentation with           Emelen Mikelic

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Would You Ask How I Feel? Presentation with           Emelen Mikelic

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Crown Presentation             with Chantelle Price

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Crown Presentation             with Chantelle Price

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Stop the Fur Trade Presentation with             Mayisha Sohel

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Stop the Fur Trade Presentation with             Mayisha Sohel

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by Lavender Lee
Graphic Design 2021

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The  Project Presentation with Jessica Wilcox

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The  Project Presentation with Jessica Wilcox

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You Can Help Save Me Today Presentation with             Gaeun Jeong

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You Can Help Save Me Today Presentation with             Gaeun Jeong

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What If? Presentation          with Nikita Tsai

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What If? Presentation          with Nikita Tsai

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by Alisa Tarasova
Graphic Design 2022

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Street Cats Presentation     with Alisa Tarasova

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Street Cats Presentation     with Alisa Tarasova

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Street Cats Statement            by Alisa Tarasova

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Street Cats Statement            by Alisa Tarasova

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My name is Alisa Tarasova, I’m
a sophomore student at Pratt Institute. Our Pre-Press and Print Production class gave us an amazing opportunity to create a representational poster for a cause for different charity and non-profit organisations. The organisation I have chosen is the  American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the "ASPCA". ASPCA works on saving animals from dogfighting, puppy mills, hunting and other acts of violence and cruelty. The organisation provides animals with medical care and behaviour rehabilitation, as well as fostering and adoption programs, and helps thousands of animals to find loving homes every year. I, myself had a wonderful opportunity to work with the ASPCA fostering cats and kittens last semester, and in previous years.

The poster I have created is focused on the problem of street cats, as only in the United States there is an estimated range of stray cats up to 70 million, and yearly about 3.5 million are abandoned or lost. This issue is very personal to me, as all cats we had in our household throughout my life were street cats that we had found, and most of them were in awful condition and required surgery, and long rehabilitation process at veterinary clinics.

When working on this poster, I focused on creating more cartoony stylised designs rather than realistic image of kittens to awake feelings of compassion and empathy, and attract the attention of a larger audience.

The poster lists the ASPCA’s contact information, as well as their social media. Please consider checking out their website to find information about making donations, or other ways you can help. Thank you for your attention.

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Would You Ask How I Feel? Statement by Emelen Mikelic

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Would You Ask How I Feel? Statement by Emelen Mikelic

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Hello my name is Emelen Mikelic and it was my pleasure to create a poster to spread awareness about postpartum depression. With this poster, it is my intention to destigmatize the “baby blues,” now a clinically recognized form of mental depression that occurs following childbirth.

Postpartum depression is a more common issue than is socially recognized; in fact, a CDC study shows that the actual number of women suffering from postpartum depression is estimated to be as high as one in five, and those are the reported cases...many women suffer in silence not understanding the repercussions of the birthing experience on their long-term mental wellbeing.

Postpartum depression can become serious, but it is a
treatable condition and should carry no shame for the new mother. Typically this feeling passes within a couple of weeks but some researchers believe women experience these feelings up to
six months as their bodies recover. During the birthing experience some women suffer a more than dramatic drop in hormone levels, which is said to be a leading factor contributing to the mental illness aspect of the postpartum experience.

There are many levels of postpartum depression like insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety and fear, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, difficulty bonding with the baby and lack of interest in the baby, some may even begin to have thoughts of hurting herself and/or the baby, and they may have hallucinations or try to hurt themselves or their baby. Women of every culture, age, income level and race can develop postpartum depression. Untreated, postpartum depression may last months or longer and those who experience postpartum depression are at greater risk of developing major depression later in life.

My intention with this poster is to begin to create a safer environment for new mothers following their birthing experience, especially those who may not feel the true extent of their worth after delivering a baby and to demonstrate that this chemical imbalance is not anyone's fault, and is much more common than people know.

Research on this topic isn’t as plentiful as other mental illnesses, probably because of the stigma still attached to postpartum depression, and posters, flyers, and infographics didn’t exactly capture my attention as profoundly as the information available. Therefore I wanted to bring a completely different and clarified perspective and hopefully dispel the shame that many women experience. However, I also wanted to keep the design as simple as possible with the hope that it can speak to all of those women who are suffering in silence and shame.

And to those who may
be suffering...

You are not alone;

you are not to feel ashamed;

you are not to blame.

Help is available.

You will feel better.

Thank you.

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You Can Help Save Me Today Statement by Gaeun Jeong

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You Can Help Save Me Today Statement by Gaeun Jeong

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Titled "You can help me Save me today," my poster seeks to raise awareness of abandoned dogs and encourage people to adopt them.

Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. According to Shelter Animals Count, each year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized (670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats).

I've always loved animals. This passion has brought me to make this poster for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Their mission is "to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States."

The poster features an illustrated dog rescued from abuse; observers remark that the dog is in a tough situation. The dog paws surrounded by darkness stylistically represents animals' suffering. I created this poster to show that animals need our help.

To learn more & donate go to:

www.aspca.org

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What If? Statement                  by Nikita Tsai

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What If? Statement                  by Nikita Tsai

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Hi, my name is Nikita and my poster is for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or AFSP for short.

The foundation’s mission is to dedicate its resources to prevent one of the leading causes of death and provide support for survivors and those who are affected by suicide. AFSP is an advocate for mandatory suicide prevention training, and mental health policies in educational and professional institutions. They also provide funding and support for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and their network of local centers. The organization also prioritizes public education on mental health to prevent suicide, while also funding scientific research on mental health.

The poster I created shows how even while being on medication, there can still be ongoing stressors that can lead someone to commit suicide, and how there’s the question of “what if” when reflecting on their life.

If you would like to donate or learn more please visit afsp.org.

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The  Project Statement by Jessica Wilcox

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The  Project Statement by Jessica Wilcox

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My name is Jessica Wilcox and I created this poster for The <WIT> Project. In short, the <WIT> Project empowers women technologist to lead social change.

They embed women into tech, and tech into non-profits by helping aspiring female technologists from underrepresented backgrounds to develop their coding skills. From there, these technologists help
non-profits that lack technology resources. So, the <WIT> Project brings together a team of female technology students to help their non-profit partners implement the software solutions they need. It’s a win-win. Their mission is to make tech inclusive for everyone.

My design is meant to show the underrepresentation of women in tech and reflect the Wit Project’s mission of tech inclusivity. In what appears to be a “boys’ club,” the female graphic is shattering the glass ceiling and empowering herself.

To learn more or donate, please visit thewitproject.com

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Crown Statement                     by Chantelle Price

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Crown Statement                     by Chantelle Price

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Crown is based on the history of African American hair. African American hair has played a very important part in history for enslaved black people, and is very important to us today as it shows our strength and determination against all of the obstacles we have faced that white people put in front of us for years.

Way back when black people were escaping from slavery they couldn't read or write, so the only way they could communicate and navigate to safe places was by braiding their hair into Maps. That is where our unique hairstyles come from. Even though we do not use our hair for Maps today, Isle style has grown and developed over the years.

I chose the afro for my character
in the poster because it shows
that our hair is free, just as how
our people were free. As time
went on our hairstyles have been discouraged for years, but now white people are using our hairstyles as a trend. This shows disrespect to our ancestors.

My piece shows that no matter what racist people do you should be proud of where you come from, of who you are, and to stay proud because we are stronger together  than apart, and you are beautiful the Way You Are.

To learn more about Black Lives and to make a donation please go to: https://blacklivesmatter.com

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by Ben Zaragoza
Graphic Design 2021

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Closeted Doesn't Mean Alone Presentation with                  Ben Zaragoza

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Closeted Doesn't Mean Alone Presentation with                  Ben Zaragoza

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Closeted Doesn't Mean Alone Statement by Ben Zaragoza

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Closeted Doesn't Mean Alone Statement by Ben Zaragoza

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The Trevor Project, is an LGBT youth organization that provides multiple services to LGBT youth such as a 24/7 phone hotline and an instant messaging service, all
in an effort to bring awareness to and prevent LGBT youth suicide.

LGBT youth seriously contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of heterosexual youth and are almost five times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth.

The concept for my poster is assistance directed towards LGBT youth that are in the closet/unable to come out. Many friends of mine have struggled with depression/internalized homophobia while they were in the closet so I wanted to dedicate my poster to them and people like them and say that you don't have
to go through this journey alone and that there are resources out there to assist you.

You can find more information and donate at www.thetrevorproject.org

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by Shraddha Sanghai
Graphic Design 2021

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To Bond or To Bind Presentation with        Shraddha Sanghai

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To Bond or To Bind Presentation with        Shraddha Sanghai

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To Bond or To Bind Statement by Shraddha Sanghai

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To Bond or To Bind Statement by Shraddha Sanghai

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My name is Shraddha Sanghai, and I am a student majoring in graphic design at Pratt institute. I created this poster to depict Stockholm Syndrome. I speciﬁcally chose this topic because I think people today are unaware of how this affects the victim's mind. It has a huge psychological impact wherein a victim develops a bond with his or her abuser, and as s result they despise anyone who tries to help. The syndrome is often directly related to ‘abusive and controlling relationships’ Today, this syndrome is not spoken much about, because, most of the time the victims that have been subject to this are unaware of the psychological damage that they go through. Hence, I think it is extremely important for people to recognize the trauma that one can go through and ultimately treat it the right way. It is necessary for this abuse to stop. The organization I chose in relation to my cause is The Counselling Resource.

The Counselling Resource helps people understand and evaluate if they are or have experienced Stockholm syndrome, and aims to help them combat this psychological trauma through therapy sessions.

To learn more you can visit www.counsellingresource.com

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History Rings Change Presentation with        Lavender Lee

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History Rings Change Presentation with        Lavender Lee

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History Rings Change Statement by Lavender Lee

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History Rings Change Statement by Lavender Lee

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Deforestation is a global problem that has ties to all walks of life and is a deeply multifaceted issue. It not only affects the wildlife that live in forests but also the overall biodiversity of the surrounding geography from the smallest plant to the existence of entire species. It can affect other forests and jungles where migration patterns find themselves interconnecting with affected areas. Indigenous and frontline communities that depend on forests for their livelihoods also take the brunt of the consequences of deforestation and environmental racism. The rate of deforestation also brings forth many discussions of climate change and impact and how that affects everyone internationally and the importance of sustainable climate action.

In my poster, I have illustrated the rough shape of the Amazon rainforest into the likeness of tree rings. The tree rings decrease in size and increase in cracks are representative of the slow but sure historical decline of the Amazon and ultimately of all forests and rainforests around the world. The slogan “History rings change” is double entendre on both how history shows us what has changed in our environment, climate, and current state of biodiversity and how we should direct our attention and efforts towards what we can do to change the state of the world we live in.

I represent two organizations, WeForest and the Rainforest Action Network. Both organizations core values are the restoration, preservation, and protection of wildlife, people, the climate, and the world’s forests and jungles.

For more information please go to: www.weforest.org and www.ran.org

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by Preston Ross
Graphic Design 2021

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You Are Not Alone Presentation with            Preston Ross

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You Are Not Alone Presentation with            Preston Ross

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You Are Not Alone Statement by Preston Ross

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You Are Not Alone Statement by Preston Ross

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Hi! My name is Preston Ross. I'm
a graphic design student at Pratt Institute.

And I have this great opportunity
to be able to show off what I've been working on for my pre-press and print production class’ Posters for a Cause project.

The topic that I chose to tackle for this project is about people with eating disorders and those who
are going through anorexia.

Eating disorders are a type of illness, they can range from psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. Eating disorders are not character flaws
or choices. Individuals don't choose to have an eating disorder. You also can't tell whether a person has an eating disorder just by looking at their appearance.

I chose this topic because I believe this is an issue that most people don't take seriously because it's more than just someone doesn't want to eat. That person is going through a physical and mental struggle, and I believe we shouldn't just ignore that, instead I feel we need to do whatever we can to help support that person to overcome whatever struggle they are going through, both mentally and physically.

So in order to get that message across I designed a poster that conveys the struggle that someone goes through mentally while having an eating disorder. I also added a small but positive message to it
to let everyone know that they are not alone, there are people ready
to help.

The organization that I chose was The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, or ANAD for short.
ANAD is the original non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and alleviation of
eating disorders (since 1976). ANAD focuses on prevention, education and helping those who are struggling to find treatment
and support. ANAD has a helpline, school outreach programs, national awareness events, online discussion forums, prevention programs, and support groups across the nation.

If you would like to know more and help support my cause, please visit ANAD’s website at https://anad.org. They have tons of information and they also have a donation section. If you would like to, please donate. It would be greatly appreciated.

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Empowered, by Design with Professor Deb Caponera

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Empowered, by Design with Professor Deb Caponera