DESIGN FOR DONATIONS

Interactive Arts and Technology Student Union (IATSU)

One of the latest initiatives of the Interactive Arts and Technology Student Union (IATSU) involves what former President, Justin Ma, describes as a “win-win” situation between designer and client as well as designer and charity. Together with Diana Luong, the pair have been overseeing what they envision to be a growing opportunity for all parties involved. Design for Donations aims to assist the less fortunate in the metro Vancouver area by applying graphic design skills through projects for the community in return for contributions.

It was actually Diana that encouraged Justin to join IATSU. Both have been heavily involved with IATSU since their early SIAT (School of Interactive Arts and Technology) years. Justin, a fourth year Design stream student, went from being a General Member to IATSU President for two years. Soon to walk across the stage at FCAT’s Convocation, Diana has been involved with IATSU since her first year. Holding titles from Secretary to Treasurer, and then to Vice President, she firmly believes in the strong community within IATSU.

Essentially, students involved in Design for Donations offer their design services in exchange for donations to help those in need with food, clothing, toys, or money through one of their affiliated charities. The four organizations that IATSU is currently working with are Surrey SPCA, Surrey Foodbank, Surrey Women’s Centre, and Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society. With SIAT’s main campus based in the heart of Surrey, the group is driven to carry their skills to benefit the local community.

The program works by a connecting a student designer with an individual or organization that wishes to get design work done. The student then trades their design services for a donation to a charity of the client’s choosing. The target for Design for Donations is school groups and clubs, small businesses and organizations—those that cannot afford large budgets for designers. Although sacrificing a smaller amount, the client is guaranteed the quality work produced by SIAT’s students. Through this initiative, clients can also learn about the value of design and the process of working with a designer. Likewise, the student designer involved gains experience on client management.

On top of the charitable contributions and the design assistance, the project also provides students with an organic experiential learning opportunity. When speaking about getting involved with Design for Donations, Justin stresses that “[they] are here to help volunteers grow their skills.” Not only do volunteers receive the opportunity to develop their technical design skills, relationships are built between individuals through the mentorship element of the program. Younger designers are paired with more experienced mentors for each project, to foster the growth of all students. Justin and Diana both commented on the knowledge they too have gained. Outside of the classroom, they can further the development of not only their portfolios, but their client experience. “The big part of this,” Diana notes, “is that all three sides grow.”

Ideal for student life, volunteers can ‘claim’ projects at their own convenience. Once a client has committed, the job is posted for any of the volunteers to take. Here, student volunteers are able to consider their own schedule of exams and projects.

The idea for Design from Donations emerged through conversations between SIAT students and their desire to further their skills in design through job opportunities. Justin expressed a common struggle with students in their design experience outside of SIAT, where their tireless hours of work receive very little credit. His goal is for IATSU to be the place for that to change. The volunteers can now receive credit while also contributing to a greater cause. “People were waiting for this idea,” Justin adds.

What has gone on since the project’s beginning can only be described as “growth.” The two agree that the number of people involved and their eagerness has surpassed expectations. They also find that they are being approached by many interested clubs and organizations, highlighting the design needs of many groups who lack the funds. The concept has been spreading through word of mouth and has received significant attention.

Recently the group has paired with the donor-advised fund Chimp, a giving platform created to manage charitable donations on behalf of an individual, group or organization. Check out Design for Donations' Chimp page here.

The group was also at Make It Vancouver this April.

Design for Donations is looking for designers that are passionate about trying. There is no set level of expertise required in order to be involved, the group is ultimately trying to provide an opportunity for students to progress while giving back to the community.

Learn more about Design for Donations here.