Thirteenth International Conference on The Arts in Society

Abstract

When a culture or community like Punk celebrates their isolation from mainstream society, their designed representation in the media may be at best, misguided, at worst, malevolent fabrications. In this paper I will explore how outside marketing and design elements attempt to co-opt the energy and vibrancy of punk culture, while at the same time, demonizing the very elements that make the culture so unique. By exploring the art and design work of the more radical fringe communities within punk, and juxtaposing those with how they are portrayed in the media, I will expose a lack of empathetic design process and understanding of these counter-cultures. I will further look at the roles of punk aesthetic when used in marketing and design, and how when done without basic understanding, expose marketing ignorance and can alienate the very communities they are attempting to attract.