GRAPHIC DESIGNER, JAMES JUNK, LOS ANGELES CA
For years, Andrei Dominiq’s creative practice, James Junk, has fused his design powers with brands that lead with openness, social impact, and breaking the binary. Hailing from Los Angeles, Andrei, a queer Filipino designer, draws inspiration from his diverse life experiences. This rich tapestry of influences has shaped his unconventional approach to design, resulting in mind-bending and delightfully off-kilter creations. His daring designs have earned him global recognition, having been featured in publications and productions the likes of Adobe and It’s Nice That, and earning him prestigious awards such as the Webbys and Shortys through his work at Impact and its climate-centric platform Environment, where he is known for creating social action and climate justice content that effectively engages an audience of 3+ million individuals. With his knack for not thinking outside of the box but rather thinking like there is no box, Andrei is just getting started.
Tell us how and why you became involved in socially responsible communications, any thoughts on why design can be an especially effective tool for this goal, and, if you wish, give us an example of a project of which you are proud.
I ventured into socially responsible communication because I recognized design’s immense potential for driving positive change. My passion for sustainable design, particularly the reduction of paper and ink usage to nearly zero, was ignited when I witnessed the significant waste within our industry.
Sustainability has become a core principle in my work, leading to a complete shift towards digital practices to minimize my environmental footprint.
Design is an extraordinary tool for addressing complex social issues; it transcends boundaries and has the power to inspire action like no other. It’s a universal language that connects deeply with people.
One project I hold dear is my ongoing work with Impact and Environment. These digital platforms are dedicated to engaging young changemakers. Through creative visuals, we demystify intricate topics like politics and social justice, making them accessible and inspiring the next generation to get involved.
In my role, I focus on crafting visuals that resonate with young people, encouraging them to care about these critical issues. It’s an ongoing journey of finding innovative ways to communicate, educate, and instigate change.
Given the confluence of events and challenges our society now faces, does this moment in time present any special opportunities, urgencies, obstacles to designing for good?
Absolutely, this moment feels deeply personal in terms of designing for good. The intersection of pressing global challenges, from climate crises to social inequities, has made it abundantly clear that design can be a driving force for positive change.
However, obstacles also exist, such as information overload and growing cynicism. Cutting through the noise and spurring action can be challenging. Yet, the urgency of our times compels us to find ways to overcome these hurdles. It’s a call for designers, including myself, to leverage our creative abilities to exact change, nurture empathy, and ignite actionable conversations.
In this defining moment, it’s not just a professional endeavor; it’s a personal commitment to jockey design as a tool for driving real, tangible progress toward a more compassionate and sustainable world.
