Exhibition Catalog

Justin McKinley2010 Senior ProjectMinneapolis College of Art & Design

I am forever grateful to everyone who contributed to the this project.In no particular order:

Erik Brandt, Alex DeArmond, Bernard Canniffe, George Mahoney, My Peers, Gregory Hubacek, & Jackson Schwartz

The purpose of “The Way Things Could Be” is not to solve massive problems such as world hunger, global warming, or even necessar-ily address a specific community. It is, however, intended to serve as a general resource for current de-sign projects that are working in a socially responsible manner. In the context of this project, the term “socially responsible” is defined as anything that improves quality of life while acknowledging the full spectrum of results. Providing these socially responsible projects with an informational vehicle to further their positive impact ultimately benefits the individual viewer as well as the organizations respon-sible for the projects.

PALLETPARK BENCHThis project was inspired by a pallet that had been abandoned on a corner near my apartment. I wanted a way to turn this object into something useful.

Deciding to build a bench from this pallet was a great way to facilitate and encourage community. At the same time it transformed a discarded item and turned it into something that was giving back to it’s environment.

The Way Things Could Be

Pallet Park Bench

The Way Things Could Be

Pallet Park Bench

The Way Things Could Be

Pallet Park Bench

WANT/NEEDThis poster features two opposing words; want and need. Putting these two words on the same poster provides an opposition for the viewer. The lo-cation of the camera was essential to read the word need, illustrating the importance of perspective.

The Way Things Could Be

Want / Need

Watch the process video here:http://is.gd/bWyIl

The Way Things Could Be Want / Need

BICYCLES ON FIRST AVEThis poster intended to encourage bet-ter graphic gestures for a new system of bicycling lanes, and also inform both bicyclists and motorists alike. Posters were wheat pasted on the road, in the bike lane.

The Way Things Could Be

Bicycles On First Ave.

The Way Things Could Be Bicycles On First Ave.

HAPPY BDAYEVERYDAYThe message “Happy Birthday Every-day” developed from a desire to have a phrase that brought such joy as “Happy Holidays” or “Happy New Year”. This poster is also meant to be a take-away gift from the exhibition.

The Way Things Could Be

Happy Bday Everyday

The Way Things Could Be Happy Bday Everyday

Further documentation for the projects can be found online:

The Way Things Could Behttp://thewaythingscouldbe.com

Flickr Sethttp://flickr.com/photos/justin_mckinley