Print on Purpose is where designing forward while looking back at the legacy of print for social change meets in an immersive design space. Join us for a rigorous course probing the intersectionality of visual expression and freedom of speech. We dissect the role print has played as a driver of social change, covering media ranging from newspapers, zines, posters, pamphlets, stickers to lawn signs.

This course is about taking expressive action on important issues. It's about taking advantage of print production methods to bring awareness to topics, to tell untold stories, and to speak out about what is important. The name alludes to the brave and impactful work that has helped ignite social change and made information both visual and accessible. With this same intention, you will be empowered to make meaningful work.

Print on Purpose is also an introduction to visual communications tools and processes that impact the way our work is produced and received. It's about experimentation with typography, drawing, and imagery, and inevitably rolling up your sleeves and producing prints.

We will reinforce visual design fundamentals and the practice of applying them to print media. We will study impactful work that has stood the test of time, and gain insights into approaches to typography, composition, and production methods to support student work.

This course emphasizes the importance of DIY production methods and works with students to take advantage of the resources available to them to produce printed matter.

Critiques will be fundamental parts of each project, as will be incorporation of feedback. You will be expected to participate in evaluating your work and the work of your peers in group settings.

Header image art credit: Ulises Medina | Stanford Student, Print on Purpose (2023)

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Teaching Team