empawer change: facilitating human and canine rehabilitation.

I believe an artist has a responsibility to create art and design for change, to create work that challenges social norms, and to open up the eyes and hearts of people. This project aims to humanize drug addicts and address drug addiction from multiple points of view. Based on my research I have found that addicts are often seen as deadweights in society because of their illness and that there is a need for compassion and understanding towards people with substance abuse disorders. To address these issues I have created Empawer, a rehabilitation program in which inpatients in long-term rehabilitation centers for substance abuse will be given the responsibility of fostering shelter dogs. I have learned that dogs can act as a therapeutic tool for the patients and will help aid in their recovery. This program aims to help people and animals alike by facilitating the rehabilitation of substance abuse patients by giving them the confidence, self-esteem, and skillsets they need to succeed by fostering and training at-risk shelter dogs. Successful recovery includes accountability, goals, and purpose. This project includes the design and development of a brand identity, website, informational brochures, and a print and online advertising campaign.

Download my thesis paper: “Activism in Design”