BEYOND Design Competition

This project started with an idea that would later change the way I think about design. One week before I started this project, I attended CompostModern 11' (a sustainable design conference by AIGA in San Francisco). There, I was exposed to an array of inspirational and motivational work from many well known designers from around the world. The work represented what it truly means to be a sustainable designer. After leaving the conference, I wanted to create something as inspirational and meaningful as the work I saw. This project is my attempt to create something significant and influential not just for myself, but for those who have the desire to push themselves to a new height, exceeding past the conventional wisdom and techniques that have been past on. This is for those who want to make a difference, who believe in change, who strive to improve the greater good of humanity by going beyond.

By creating a sustainable design competition, the purpose was to raise awareness and increase participation in designing sustainable graphic design projects at San Francisco State University. I advertised the competition throughout the design department using recycled materials. I provided the rules to the competition along with links to books and articles about sustainable design on the AIGA SFSU student group website. After all the submissions were in, I chose SF State student Jesse Smith as the winner of the competition. He created a working lamp made out of 100% recycled material. As the winner, Jesse received a certificate of recognition, a limited edition t-shirt by a non-profit organization called iDO who educates underprivileged youth about the fundamentals and importance of art and design. Furthermore, the BEYOND competition donated a $100 check to iDO on Jesse's behalf.