The paper coffee cup: a necessity of modern living, ubiquitous, portable and, ultimately, disposable. But what if it briefly served a more mindful purpose?
Eyeing the printable real estate on cardboard coffee sleeves, a class of VCU students found the conduit for their semester graphic-design project in social consciousness — spreading the concept of tolerance, especially toward members of the LGBT community.
Sleeve designs combine portraits and quotes. One shows a young man named Vicente, who is quoted as saying: "If I explicitly say I'm queer or mention it, you can just feel how people are sexualizing you … Straight people just get to be people."
The "Design Rebels" course at Virginia Commonwealth University, taught by local artist Noah Scalin, explores the intersection of personal ethics and communications through graphic design or art.
If you happen to grab a cuppa this month at the Harrison Street Café or Rev It Up near VCU, you may meet a new face as you tip the cup. Learn more at vcudesignrebels.wordpress.com .
