A Tote Bag Tale

Or how to take F’ing social design to the masses.

By: EricW | Jan 29, 2008 |  5

Categories: Media & Advertising, Other Products, Artevist

Here's a great story for those who believe that designers should tackle global issues in a more forceful, in-your-face manner. For those who think that "hugging trees" and "saving whales" hasn't gotten us very far.

Taking a more radical artistic path can be risky since it often brings with it censorship and unfair criticism, but it can also lead to tremendous exposure. That's exactly what is happening for UK-based graphic designer Becky Redman (website), who has focused much of her work on environmental issues.

One of Becky's recent designs is the "Fucking Recycle" tote bag, one of numerous recycling themed designs she has produced.

All was well at the Design Museum Shop carrying the bag until a 'concerned citizen' raised the alarm, called the police, and saved many, many local children from what was surely a profane message that would haunt and corrupt their young minds.

The bag was removed and order was restored, but thanks to bloggers and websites such as Artevist, "Fucking Recycle" is getting more exposure than it would have simply sitting in a London shop. According to Becky, the response has been "overwhelming".

Good for you Becky, though we wonder if you'll now revise the design and create a: "WOULD YOU BE SO KIND AS TO PLEASE RECYCLE" tote bag?

To read the full story or purchase one of Becky's bags or posters, please visit her website. Her work can also be found at the Design Museum Shop, f-art Gallery and the Worcestershire Resource Exchange.

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this is my daughter and it makes me proud to read all of your comments. In Today’s world we need more enthusiasm to recycle and this certainly makes one want to participate.

By: mlou
posted: January 30, 2008 at 08:57 AM

I’m all for a more forceful approach to communication.  It really is time to get angry because now we’re all affected.

By: TazMan
posted: February 03, 2008 at 05:21 PM

Gotta fucking get one of those. Man, it felt good to say that. LOL

By: HagenDaz
posted: February 09, 2008 at 02:31 PM

I think that word has it’s place. in my oppinion this one of them. some people only respond to a metaphorical smack to the head.

By: Gerg
posted: February 11, 2008 at 11:06 PM