How designers are dealing with COVID-19

We are living in extraordinary times. We are not doctors or essential staff. Many of us already work at home and are used to working alone. But like the rest of the world, none of us are used to the unprecedented events unfolding around us. We will continue to do what we are trained to do, help spread the message through visual communication.At the front line, graphic designers working for the CDC have created a package of graphics and images for download and distribution in English, Spanish and Chinese.Design educators are sharing information, ideas, and resources for moving to online teaching.Illustrators and cartoonists on "The Nib" are spreading the word through humor and political parody as is designer Jure Tovrljan who reimagined iconic logos to bring attention to the situation.Sometimes designers get it wrong though, as author, educator, and design critic Steven Heller points out in his article, "The Worst Magazine Cover at the Worst Moment." Heller calls out New York Magazine for triggering and enabling panic, instead of helping to stop it.Designers don't have a lot of power, but remember to use the power you do have wisely, and be well.