Archive for January, 2011

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    Moving on to 2011: Better things and good fortune

    by Atim Annette Oton

    2010 was a hard year for the design industry. It was even harder on black designers across all the sectors Black Design News Network (BDNN)  - Architecture, Fashion Design, Graphic/Media Design, Interior Design, Product Design and Urban/Landscape Design. Most of the news was focused on the closing of firms and surviving the recession. The real major mews was the Haiti Earthquake which captivated the design industry and spurred a few design competitions and a lot of fundraising. After a year, very little has changed in Haiti. As one black designer from New Orleans said, “we are still here trying to get over the New Orleans disaster, how can we real help in Haiti?” It is a good question. Haiti begs a series of questions but it really asks: what is the role of designers before and after disasters? BDNN came to Haiti with that perspective and continues to explore this question.

    2011 is the year of the rabbit. The Chinese say it best: “A placid year, very much welcomed and needed after the ferocious year of the Tiger.” For 2011, here are some predicted trends:

    There are good things in store for 2011. 2010 taught us all a few major lessons: Have a Plan A, B, C and even a Plan D. Life can change dramatically. Update your resume monthly and be ready to work globally. 2011 is about what we learnt from 2010 and how we can function better.

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