Revitalizing with Design
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- seed
I live near a town where the entire main street is full of small businesses that are dated and have no design to speak of. I can hardly imagine that many people really going into them from off the street.
I was passively thinking about the idea of offering design services to these business, probably would have to be at a reduced rate, with the goal to revitalize them and the entire area eventually. I think they could really benefit from nice identities and signage.
I know it's a lofty idea and that working for small business can have it's dificulties. What do you think? Anyone tried anything like this?
- bumdrizzle0
yeah, i revitalised my home town last week.
still waiting to get paid.
- seed0
I'm guessing many of these places have no budget. I was thinking maybe offering it as some sort of community campaign could help put it in perspective and justify the reduced rates without cheapening your work. You could maybe even get it subsidized some how. I'm thinking out loud here.
- monospaced0
Dude, they probably don't care (I know it sounds pessimistic). I don't know you and I haven't looked at your profile, but you sound kinda like a student. I thought about this all the time when I was in school, but my talks with shop owners were depressing: they simply don't care.
- I would guess that its not that most don't care, most just don't know.IRNlun6
- go ask for yourself and report back before making assumptionsmonospaced
- bumdrizzle0
trying to persuade canal road news to stump up for duplexed gf colorplan black and mandarin with a white foil stamp was a nightmare by the way.
- Fax_Benson0
What kind of businesses are they? Most small businesses have the kind of identity that suits their needs, whether that looks like shit or not. Most won't be receptive to the idea, regardless of cost.
If it's law firms, estate agents etc it might be easier as you can at least show them what a good example looks like and how it might help them.
Or just do it for them without asking in the dead of night.
- brandelec0
great idea. but as mentioned it's a tough sell. and if you do get some on board, i can't imagine a budget being there
- noneck0
As others have mentioned, most shop owners just don't care.
If times are good, they'll tell you that they obviously don't need your fancy art projects, they're doing just fin without them. If times are bad, they'll tell you that things are too tight to spend money on your arts and crafts.
Even if you were giving the design away for free, they'll balk at having to pay anything for the most basic production of the design.
Nice idea though...
- seed0
I'm not a student, I have over 10 years professional experience. I know from doing sites for small businesses that it can be a low budget pain that doesn't go anywhere, for lack of advertising budget, once it is launched. I get what you mean though, I know it's wishful thinking but I just thought that design could really help revitalize an area. Some downtowns are just depressing looking.
- noneck0
You need a respected community leader to champion design, then it might work.
- seed0
Yeah, I didn't really know where to go with it and wondered if anyone here has tried it or thought about it. I would almost think it would be in the towns interest to sponsor something like that as part of revilatization. I can see the businesses not even paying for the production of a sign or decent printed materials too.
- TheRapture0
give it a shot, young fella
- Raniator0
If Peter Saville can do it, fuck it – might as well give it a go...
- seed0
You would probably have to be more like an overall small business consulatant as well. A nice identity would go a long way to attract interest and invite people in off the street. That would be too deceiving and inneffective if the atmosphere, inventory and display was poor on the inside.
- woodyBatts0
I would beg forgiveness rather than ask permission. Donal Judd just started installing his stuff permanently in Marfa, Tx.
Redesign it first, sell it after. Worst that could happen is you have a cool project especially because it's a good idea.
- Miesfan0
Hi seed, take a look. Perhaps...
http://whatifsydenham.wordpress.…
- Miesfan0
If you REALLY believe something, you will find other people who believe the same things. You get the customers you deserve.
- goldieboy0
Get in touch with your local council/local government office and get them onboard, they may have some funds/grants etc to help. Or, they may be planning on knocking the whole town flat for development?
It's a good idea... good luck
- hektor9110
Good idea, just make sure you are prepare psychologically for any set backs you might encounter on the way!
- seed0
I think local government support would be the way to go. Most towns and neighborhoods seem to rely on the creative community to start the renewal process. You could probably get some additional sponsorship and publicity from it as well. By making it more exclusive initially. For example, 3 businesses will be chosen... They could be chosen based on potential.
- SteveJobs0
tell them you're doing a documentary. document it. sell the documentary.