As many of you know, I traveled to South Africa with Design Without Borders to conduct the first ever ‘good will’ makeover for the offices of THE BIG ISSUE, a non-profit organization that provides marginalized South Africans with employment opportunities.
My mission was to makeover two spaces, a reception area and a vendor lounge for all the men and women who pick up magazines daily and sell them on the street. These spaces had to function for a variety of people, and above all, reflect the promise of a brighter future.
What you may not know is that I videotaped the entire process so that I could one day share this incredible journey with you. I’m proud to say, the video is finally complete and available for viewing here on my site.
But before you watch (and I hope you do), I want to thank some very special people whose contributions to this project go beyond any blog post.
My partner Eddie for designing the DWB logo and holding down the fort while I was away for 10 days; my friend Chris Pate for parlaying his photographic skills into a run-and-gun shooting style; and Phil Moore and Aaron Moore for the expert story telling and editing. And most of all, my true friend Donna Marie Kent.
Art director, project manager, artist extraordinaire, thank you for all your hard work, immeasurable contribution and for keeping me sane in a third world country. In the world of Oprah, you are my Gayle.
And to my many friends and colleagues in South Africa, especially Riann du Preez of Builders Warehouse , Johann de Bruyn of Furnish Homestyle, Anneke Blaise of Home Magazine and Peter Jack of Indawo, thank you for your sponsorship and enormous contributions to the project at-large. You are all global citizens by design.
And now, without further adieu, I give you Design Without Borders: South Africa. Go to my ABOUT page of the site and click on the DWB logo in the bottom right corner.
Until next time…
Hey mark,we’re waiting for you in Kenya!btw where can I get your book ‘Take the U out of clutter’? 244 days ago
Thank you for sharing this amazing video with us. Although it was a bit heart wrenching to the see the people outside the city who actually sell the Big Issue, your design in their office captured all who worked there. Loved DMK’s wonderful artwork! Good job Mark, your a good man. 244 days ago
That was a great video.
Thank you for the work you are doing in the world, Mark! 244 days ago
You ARE the KING!!! 244 days ago
finally we get chance to enjoy your perfection again! 244 days ago
That was such a blessing Mark, both for the people who benefited from your beautiful work and for those of us who can be inspired by it. It’s amazing how such simple acts of goodwill can so strongly impact the lives of others. It helps encourage others to use their talents for good too. 243 days ago
You are very inspirational Mark…How can we join designers without borders so as to learn more from you and also get a chance to touch the lives of many… 243 days ago
Mark, I was so touched by your compassion and humanitarianism in the video- Design Without Borders. I couldn’t help from shedding a few tears myself. How fortunate you are to have such a wonderful talent and gift that can lift the hearts and spirits of so many! 243 days ago
You are my greatest inspiration and even better now that I got to blog with you.
keep up the good work! 242 days ago
Mark, thank you for giving us a sense of charity. Your kindness overwhelms me, your talent is the greatest! Looking forward to hearing more about your work, will check you out on the show today. With tears in my eyes, of joy. E . 242 days ago
I obtained great data from the weblog 237 days ago
While I still like it, I think there was an spelling error close to the beginning of the first paragraph. 232 days ago
So touching! You, Donna and your crew did a fantastic job. 228 days ago
Hey, I finally decided to write a comment on your blog. I just wanted to say good job. I really enjoy reading your posts. 228 days ago