Lucy Davis
Canterbury, UK
Project Question
How can graphic design be used to empower millennial women to see themselves as heroes and leaders?
Aim and Objective
The aim of the project was to develop a graphic design solution that challenged the stereotypical representation of millennial women and marginalised genders . By showcasing real-life role models and examples of inspiring heroes and leaders from around the world, I wanted to inspire this community to feel confident and courageous and enable the audience to see themselves as heroes and leaders.
Following research into the relationship that millennial women and marginalised genders have with the defined archetypal roles and characters, I found that the biggest gap between who the audience was and who they aspired to be was in relation to the Hero and Ruler archetypes, particularly the traits of Confidence and Courage.
To develop this project, I researched into the history of feminist protest in graphic design, as well as current websites and organisations that are helping to empower this community. Hélène Cixous said that a “woman must put herself into the text – as into the world and into history – by her own movement.” Therefore, in order to change the narrative, we must write the narrative.
Final Outcome
Herisee is an inclusive and diverse intersectional feminist platform. It provides a bold, engaging and fearless feminist response to the portrayal of gender in mainstream media.
The name is a play on words of ‘Heresy’, an opinion profoundly at odds with what is generally accepted, and ‘Her I See’, as the platform aims to increase the representation of women, trans and non-binary people as heroes and leaders.
It features interviews with inspiring real life role models, articles on heroes and leaders in a variety of industries, and information about empowering projects that support the female and non-binary/gender queer communities.
As well as tackling the serious issues, the website also aimed to have fun by celebrating and ampifying art, fashion, food and lifestyle content that is body positive, diverse and inclusive.
How has your practice developed while studying the MA in Graphic Design with a global cohort?
It has been really enjoyable to be able to exchange ideas and critiques with people from around the world. Having the different creative perspectives and variations in graphic design practice has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and experiment with my own work more. I feel I’ve improved so much from where I started and a lot of that has been down to being connected with such a great group of creative people.
When I first started, I was worried whether the time differences and geography would be difficult, but it’s been really easy to reach out to each other with questions and queries. The group has been incredibly supportive of one another and it’s definitely made me enjoy the course. I think the fact that we can’t meet up in person means that we made more of an effort to communicate with each other.