I recently did a fairly extensive interview with Sara, from UHC. Here it is:
When and why was UHC set up? What is the rationale behind UHC? Why did you make the decision to be a co-op?
UHC was set up in 2002 by a group of artists and activists wanting to change the world through politically engaged art projects and by providing design services for ethically motivated clients.
The decision to be a Co-op came from an appreciation, as a 'values driven' company, of the Co-operative principles of running a democratically controlled organization where it's the members who benefit from the activities of the business.
How different do you think that UHC is from one that isn't ethically driven, in terms of both the practical running of the studio and the process involved in the actual design?
Many agencies have an environmental policy nowadays and are very conscious of using recycled paper, energy saving light bulbs etc. so compared to some 'normal' agencies, in some areas, we don't vary a great deal in terms of our practical day to day running and our 'green' activities. That said, we feel that we both have a very social awareness in terms of the work we do and why, and when it comes to the little day to day things we probably do more than most standard studios. We are not pedantic perfectionists however and realise that being too strict can also make things very difficult in terms of running a business. That does not
excuse not putting in an effort though and as an environmentally aware studio we do all the usual things like use recycled paper, often use reclaimed furniture to fit out the studio, recycle our waste paper, use energy saving light bulbs where possible, drink fair trade coffee, try and buy organic food, get recycled loo rolls etc etc. In the long run however we want our energy supply to be sustainable as well and want the studio to be completely emission free through and in house project called 'Stinky Emissions', which is run by Joe Richardson. Part of the plan is to get solar panels for our electricity. Unfortunately the 'Stinky Emissions'project has temporarily been put on hold due to lack of funding, but we are hoping to be able to carry on with it soon!
In terms of the design process, UHC isn't much different from a standard design agency in terms of how we go about the actual creative process or how we deal with clients, as any professional studio worth mentioning takes great care to provide a high quality service to their clients, striving to look after their interests and listening to their needs. We also take into account the materials being used in the production of the work and sometimes adjust the brief or the conceptual solution to get a more environmentally friendly output. There are often practical and financial restrictions that needs to be taken into consideration which means we sometimes can't produce work that is as sustainable as we'd like to, but we always put in the effort and try to be creative with the budgets and the time available and when appropriate we educate our clients about alternative production options or design solutions.
Most design agencies nowadays are very aware of environmentally friendly production methods too (to a varying degrees of course and with varying motivations!) so it's quite common to consider these things which is really good!
What really sets us apart from other design studios is our personal social and environmental engagement (meaning we better understand the objectives of our specific clients), our political awareness and our policy to only work for and support other 'values driven' organisations.
Another major thing that sets us apart from most other agencies is that we always try to ensure our subcontractors are ethically minded, for example we try and work as much as possible with other co-ops and social enterprises and people using ecological production methods.
How important do you think that design is within the promotion of charities/campaigns/social issues, and do you think that it is often overlooked (by charities, campaigners, etc)?
As for anyone, how you present yourself, reach out, connect and communicate with your audience is obviously very important and is no less important for charities and other organisations campaigning for environmental or social change. In our opinion it's even more important as those are the organisations who we think, if anyone, deserves good design and needs to be heard, and it's really important they get presented in a professional way in order for them to be respected and to be taken seriously. This fact can sometimes be overlooked by the people within the organisations themselves as they sometimes don't see the importance of or appreciate visual communicating, but it's something most organisations are getting more and more aware of.
Do you find that this kind of design can be more 'restrictive'; for example, because of lack of funding, sensitivity of issues, etc?
We've only experienced the sensitivity of issues in very few cases, one of which was an animal rights organisation, but I think all types of clients in one way or another has some sensitive issues which has to be taken into account and respected. It can sometimes be more restrictive when working for not-for-profits in terms of lack of funding and our desire to still be able to support them but we see it as an opportunity to be more creative both in terms of the design solutions but also in how we run our business to keep it profitable (please note that being a not-for-profit organisation as we are, ie not being driven primarily by the desire to make money, is not the same thing as wanting to make a loss!).
Would you say that it is sometimes the role of the designer to turn down jobs in this sector if they feel the money would be better spent elsewhere, eg the money spent on a poster design may be more effectively spent on something else? Do you also feel that, as an art group, you are in a good position to not just turn down design work but offer, for example, the organization of a community project instead (if that makes sense...)?
Definitely and this is also something we have done several times, one example being our 'Tiny Traveling Treasury'!
Do you think that designers, in general, have any particular social responsibilities? Do you think that they should be held more accountable than the
rest of the public?
We think designers have a social responsibility as they are the vehicle with which companies and organisations communicates their message to the rest of the world. As citizens of our society we think it's fair that we should all take responsibility for the messages we spread to each other. I don't think however that designers should be held MORE responsible than other people, especially the general public consuming the information or products but also of course the clients commissioning the work, who ultimately are the ones who hold the (most immediate) power.
In a capitalist society, most conventional products are sold to us as commodities with personalities and human qualities, as opposed to 'things' with 'functions' As a lot of the today's 'problems' are the result of Western capitalism/consumerism, do you think that it could be considered unethical/unproductive to promote social issues in the same 'reified' way (as opposed to using facts, figures,logical argument), as it could serve to promote and enforce a consumerist mindset?
In a way yes, but then on the other hand, people connect with things emotionally and visually so why not try and spread a good message using the same means as the 'bad guys'?
What is your opinion on design that exaggerates the ethical or environmental credentials of a company that is, by definition, un-green and unethical (say, an oil company for example)? Would you say that it is 'bad', because it is misleading people; or would you say that it may be a positive thing, because it is focusing consumer choices around certain issues, meaning that the consumer will become increasingly expectant of companies to keep on improving their corporate practice?
It's not for us. Some people may argue that your raise awareness, even if it's a large, un-ethical corporation who's the client trying to 'green' themselves, but we prefer promoting the people who are doing the environmental or social work for the right reasons.
Are there any social issues that you feel are more urgent/important than others, eg. environmental issues / human rights / animal rights / working within the local community / etc?
No issues are more important than any other, the important thing is that you work towards positive change.
Do you feel that working at UHC is personally more satisfying than working in a more commercial art/design studio?
Yes, definitely, it feels very worthwhile even though the social and environmental effects aren't immediately visible. It's very exciting working for something you believe in and is passionate about, even if it's hard work.
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