Poster Design + Publication Design
Infographics
Cannabis has been a hot topic for debate for some time now. In recent years, however, debate over its legalization has been revitalized, and arguments in favor of it are stronger than ever. In light of increased science and research on the matter, the ‘War on Drugs’ faces new criticism as the fear mongering of past propaganda has been replaced with knowledge and understanding. While public opinion of cannabis consumption has taken on a more positive light, a high percentage of people are still wary of its legalization for recreational use, and some are completely against it, even for medical use. The prevailing stigma around cannabis consumption is largely responsible for delayed legalization on a federal level. To combat this, these series of infographics –inspired by those of W.E.B. Du Bois – address several aspects that perpetuate stigmatization.
W. E. B. Du Bois
W.E.B. Du Bois (1868 - 1963), was an African-American sociologist and civil rights activist who sought to contextualize the information he and his team collected on the oppression of the African-American diaspora in the decades following emancipation. Of his great and numerous accomplishments, Du Bois created a series of 60+ infographics that put this large body of research and data into a tangible and palatable form.
Poster Series
Inspired by the social nature and design of W.E.B. Du Bois’ infographics, this poster series condenses a large body of research into several, easy to digest infographics using a similar, modernized style in hopes to change the perception of cannabis as a social issue rather than a drug crisis. Each poster examines one component of the argument for legalization: racial disparities in cannabis arrests, the health hazards of alcohol compared with that of cannabis in terms of each substances prohibition duration, and the economic benefits of legalization.
Posters Alongside DuBois Inspiration
Magazine
Understanding that many African-American's work has been forgotten in the history books, it is important to recognize their contributions to the field of graphic design. To pay tribute to the works of W.E.B. Du Bois, this magazine was designed to honor his legacy and demonstrate how his brilliance can be applied to modern issues. Many of these spreads use an article from the Smithsonian Magazine that discussed his life, legacy, and his collection of over 60 infographics. This is followed by translations of the poster series into a magazine format to show the modern application of historic inspiration in another type of print environment.
