Black Friday—Alternative Options for Designers

Black Friday is not an official holiday in the U.S., but California and some other states observe “The Day After Thanksgiving” as a holiday—substituting it for another official holiday, like Columbus Day. In America, it’s gotten to be almost as big as Thanksgiving Day itself. While most retailers are deeply involved in this day of unbridled consumerism, graphic designers often play an important role too; using their skills for everything from advertising to product design. Others voluntarily join the melee, spending Thanksgiving Day carefully planning their shopping strategy and making a day (or night) out of it with friends and family. Many of us may prefer to opt out. Here are some alternatives:

• Join the protest and help publicize it using your skills to spread the word:https://www.facebook.com/events/921009677936471/permalink/921010711269701/
• Use your design skills for good like this company does in giving back profits to the homeless:https://designedbygoodpeople.wordpress.com/
• Concentrate on shopping for items that enhance your skills and profitability rather than drain your pocketbook:https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/5-new-classic-games-that-help-you-play-your-way-to-becoming-a-better-designer/?utm_source=Eye+on+Design+newsletter&utm_campaign=6162ad40b6-Eye_on_Design_37&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6a9dfd84e5-6162ad40b6-25672817
• Follow California’s lead, they are offering another alternative to their residents, instead of conspicuously consuming goods on the day after conspicuously consuming food, why not go outside and commune with nature: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/49-California-parks-will-be-free-on-Black-Friday-6641298.php

What will you choose to do with your Black Friday?