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First Things First 2000 Manifesto

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description First Things First 2000 Manifesto Overview

The First Things First 2000 Manifesto is a foundational document on design ethics, published in 1999 as a revival of Ken Garland's original 1964 manifesto of the same name. It was co-authored and signed by 33 prominent international graphic designers, including Tibor Kalman, Rick Poynor, and Milton Glaser. The manifesto challenges designers to prioritize cultural and critical design over commercial advertising and consumerist marketing.

help First Things First 2000 Manifesto FAQ

Who originally wrote the First Things First manifesto that the 2000 version renews?

British designer Ken Garland authored the original First Things First manifesto in 1964, calling on graphic designers to prioritize culturally meaningful work over consumer advertising. The 2000 version, published in 1999, renews and updates that ethical call for a new generation of designers working in an increasingly commercialized industry.

Which notable designers signed the First Things First 2000 Manifesto?

The manifesto was signed by 33 designers and critics, including Tibor Kalman, Jonathan Barnbrook, and Erik Spiekermann. Their collective endorsement gave the document significant weight across the international graphic design community and helped it circulate widely through design publications.

What does the First Things First 2000 Manifesto actually ask designers to do?

It asks designers to redirect their creative talents away from commercial advertising toward more socially valuable projects in education, public service, and cultural sectors. The text specifically critiques the amount of design energy spent on marketing disposable consumer goods.

Where was the First Things First 2000 Manifesto originally published?

It was published in 1999 through venues including the Adbusters magazine and the Eye design journal, spreading primarily through print design publications. The manifesto was also widely circulated through design schools and professional organizations rather than digital channels.

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