For the graphic design assignment, "Rebel", where you are required to choose an issue to rebel against and create a poster and website, I have chosen the issue of sweatshops and outworkers in Australia. While researching issues affecting Australian freedoms, I came across this issue and was shocked that workers are being so severely exploited here in Australia. There are approximately 300,000 sweatshop workers and outworkers working in Australia today, earning between $2 and $3 a day and working up to 18 hours a day, 7 days a week. Recently, many sweatshops have been closing down due to stricter worker rights laws, but the exploitation is continuing. The former sweatshop workers are now working from home (called outworkers or homeworkers), with the same poor conditions and pay. I was aware of sweatshops and outworkers existing in more disadvantaged countries, but I did not know that they existed in here Australia. I think many Australians are unaware of this issue, which is why I have chosen to raise awareness about this issue using the design process.
The fictional organisation I have created to rebel against this issue is called "Beyond the Label". I chose this name as the aim of the organisation is to encourage the Australian public to look beyond the designer label and find out more about how their clothes were made. I would also like to encourage the purchasing of sweatshop free clothing, and petition the Government to stop the exploitation of these workers.
The symbol I have created is meant to be a play on the name of my group. I wanted to create a symbol representing a clothes label, and create depth behind the label to represent the exploitation that exists to produce our clothes. The sewing machine symbolises the exploitation of workers. I will probably continue to refine this design, but this is my process at the moment. The next step is to continue my research and begin making thumbnails for my poster.
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