DESIGN
Design for Good: A Look at Colorado 2012
Written by Sarah
December 2012
It was a hellofa year for Colorado, first with the wildfires and then the movie theater shooting in Aurora.
There are so many ways people got involved and gave back to help the families affected by these devastating circumstances, and the inspired outpouring from artists in response and desire to help has been remarkable.
Graphic design played an important role this summer in communicating and mobilizing people in the wake of tragedy. Design enabled Colorado to “go viral” in the midst of these horrific events and get the help and resources we needed.
(For some examples, check out this Denver Post article, “Businesses step up to support Colorado wildfire victims”)
“In all of our interactions with our local people, we have seen first hand how our city and state has risen up to the challenge of these fires… has risen up together as a community.” – Wild Fire Tees
Wildfire Tees
In 2012, Colorado experienced 4,167 wildfires resulting in 32,000 people being evacuated from their homes and some $538 million in property losses. “A fire of epic proportions,” as described by the Colorado Springs Fire Chief Rich Brown.
Colorado Springs Waldo Canyon wildfire forces thousands to flee flames (2012)
Source: The Guardian, 27 June 2012
Here are some of the creative ways people used design to aid in the relief efforts.
The shirt that started it all…
Design by Austin Buck of CoPilot Creative
“We wanted to create a badge of honor, a symbol of remembrance for this tragedy, those affected by it, and the indomitable spirit of our communities that continue to fight. Colorado is burning, but we stand strong.” – Wild Fire Tees
More Disco design by Mike Solo of Hello Image
Hope Spreads by Matt Stevens
“There are so many things in our lives that we take for granted. The car will start; the light will turn on when we flip the switch; our families will have a safe place to sleep for the night. The thought of losing it all is one I can barely fathom, but knowing that’s what many have been faced with in the Colorado wildfires inspires me to action….” -Matt
Spread the LOVE design by Design Rangers
Phoenix design by Last Leaf
Fire Mountain design by Jay Fanelli
Let’s See Your Rain Dance design by Mathew Sisson
Fight Fire by Fixer Creative
“The only way to truly conquer these fires is with a resolve to stand up to this tragedy, with a fire in our belly that says, ‘We will fight this fire, and we will win.’ We will fight fire with fire.” – Wild Fire Tees
“While flames from the Waldo Canyon Fire poured down the hill 30 feet from where he stood, Jeremey rushed to evacuate his family from his home on Tuesday, June 26.
Although his house is still standing, as of the launch of this shirt, Jeremey and his family still can’t return to his home and don’t know when they will return, or what they will return to.
This design comes right from the front lines, capturing the spirit of all who have been so affected by the fires in our state. We will rebuild.” – Wild Fire Tees (June 30, 2012)
Colorado Rise design by Don Clark of Invisible Creature
“Thankfully, there is always a new day. Rise.” – Don Clark
Design by Ryan Brinkerhoff
“This tee from Ryan Brinkerhoff with Bandito Design Co. sums up why we are giving money to Colorado Springs Together and NoCo Rebuilding Network.” – Wild Fire Tees
Persevere by Tristan Plank of HF Designworks.
Tree Huggers Unite design by Michael Hefner of Starley Design
Design by Last Leaf
Design by Jackson Latka of Tuxedo Ranch
Unite CO design by Jared Rippy
Design by Ken Roberts of 4240 Architecture.
C is for Courage design by Luke Flowers
Bring the Rain design by Ben Lew
Stay Wild kid’s tee by Wild Fire Tees
Design on the fly
Other designers also emerged during this time. Whether it was to create graphics for merch or imagery for social media, for profit/fundraising or for free, it was an honor to see the design community come together bolster each other’s creativity..
Helicopter tries to put out Waldo Canyon wildfire as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs (June 2012)
Source: The Atlantic | June 27, 2012
Disaster relief posters created by Colorado resident, Steve Lowtwait
Example of a social media banner that started popping up everywhere.
Colorado Wildfire Sources:
