Free webinar: October 28th, 12:00PM Pacific time. Join here
Curious about Conscious Design- what it means and how can you implement it into your own design process? Check out our upcoming Conscious Design free webinar. Led by Author and Entrepreneur Ian Peteraman, based on his book Conscious Design in which he breaks down the design process into 4 Key Pillars to achieve Consciousness in design.
Typically when designing a new item, there are four basic elements considered; shape or silhouette, line, color, and texture. As the industry becomes more aware of our effects on the planet, we add a new element to be considered: Consciousness.
So what is Conscious Design? What does that mean?
Conscious design is ethical, sustainable, organic, animal-friendly, or vegan. It is the idea of caring about where your fashion comes from, how much energy and resources went into them, and who made them. It's a process of respecting the planet and all those involved in creating said fashion. Yes, it's true that it's easier said than done; however, as we know from watching many brands achieve a conscious design goal, it is not impossible. The more companies, brands, and consumers start looking at the world (and design) more consciously, the better off our planet will be.
Author of the book "Conscious Design," Ian Peterman says there are four pillars of conscious design:
Observation
Impact
Connection
Inclusion
Legacy
Incorporating these four pillars into the design, brands, and products they produce will help restore and sustain our planet. That is a big enough "why" in our minds, but let's go deeper into the pillars and give you more reasons to use this philosophy.
1. Observation
To observe is to be conscious. When we take the time to observe anything at all, we better understand what we see, hear, feel, taste, touch, and smell. The more you observe anything is to understand the ins and outs. With all that being said, the more you observe the design process, the more you will design consciously.
When designing, you don't just throw something on the paper and go with it. You consider how that design will work altogether, from the materials and manufacturing to shipping. To know if it will be successful, you take time to contemplate, brainstorm, research, and understand the process and how it will impact your business and those who purchase your product. By using some of your time to observe how your designs will affect the health of the world around you, the return you get is far greater than any other product you just throw on the shelf.
2. Impact
Unfortunately, being blind to a product's total impact is quite common. Most companies have the mentality of "getting the product released as cheap as possible and as quickly as possible." Although you can't possibly know the full impact of your product before it is launched to the public, by observing/being conscious throughout the entire process, you can make a massive change in its impact on the world.
No matter what you create, it will have an impact. Most designers understand how their designs will impact their consumers because they design products to fit their target market; however, many do not think past that point. What about the impact of the materials and working conditions? How your design and product impact is up to you.
3. Connection
To connect is to join together, to provide access and communication. All designs connect one thing to another, one human to another, and how it connects the two is essential when thinking consciously. It's no coincidence that when we use an eco-friendly, ethical, or animal-friendly product, we feel better about our experience. A product that is consciously designed to support the systems of our world and not break them down connects us to not just the product itself but the result of the product's impact.
4. Legacy
Imagine what you can create by taking the time to observe. By starting with these five pillars and purposefully incorporating them into the heart of your design process, you will produce more consciously designed products, resulting in a better tomorrow for your company, your consumers, and our world.
"Legacy branding means you have considered and designed the impact your mission and values will have on future generations. It will also make you think about what you want to leave behind for your family, community, country, and even the planet". Ian Peterman, Conscious Design
I have considered leaving my legacy but didn't consider doing it through my design work. This is my favorite key point that Peterman makes in his Conscious Design book. Designing Consciously naturally leads to a positive impact on people, the planet, and profits, which will build a lasting brand and become a lasting legacy to be proud of.
About: Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring Ian Peterman, a leader in conscious design thinking, where he will share groundbreaking methods from his book Conscious Design, podcast, and public appearances. Ian’s innovative approach prioritizes restorative, sustainable, and inclusive values to build a legacy of positive impact for his clients’ brands. His work presents an exciting and rewarding vision for the future of ethical business.
As a Senior Fellow at Nexus Council and Chapter Chair for IDSA LA, as well as the founder of the Peterman Design Firm,, Ian has guided countless brands toward sustainable success. He is also the co-founder of Odin Materials, a startup focused on developing eco-friendly materials, including innovative applications of hemp fiber for industrial use. Through his firm, Ian specializes in developing and commercializing products, while also offering branding and marketing support that aligns with his clients' conscious missions.
Ian’s passion for circularity extends through his work as the founder and board member of the Conscious DesignHaus, a collaborative space uniting businesses and industry leaders committed to bringing circularity to the global economy. Together, they aim to create a circular society that supports sustainability across every industry.
During this webinar, Ian will discuss his approach to “Conscious Design” and how you can apply it to fashion. Participants will explore the principles of Observation, Connection, Impact, and Legacy, learning how to integrate these concepts into their creative process. Implementing “Conscious Design Principles” will empower you to craft products that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible, attracting mindful consumers and contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to incorporate conscious design principles into your fashion design process.
- Understand the importance of creating a lasting, positive impact through your brand.
- Gain insights into building strategies that align with sustainable and inclusive values.
- Explore the future of sustainable fashion and how it can contribute to a circular economy.
Whether you're a seasoned designer or a fashion enthusiast, this webinar will provide you with valuable knowledge and tools to implement conscious design and build a brand with a purpose.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leader in the conscious design movement.
Thank you for reading today- I hope these Conscious Design Pillars inspire you to think differently in areas you may have not considered previously. We welcome all into our community. Subscribe today to keep up with all the latest news and happenings. Thank you for spending some time getting to know us, we value & appreciate you! We are stronger together!
