Skype Interview: Margot Harrington

Yesterday, I had a Skype discussion with Designer Margot Harrington of Pitch Design Union based in Chicago about the role of women in graphic design. We spoke for over an hour and it was really insightful listening to what she had to say from a professional in the field. 

Does starting a family cause some women to leave their career? 

This is industry wide problem this is not specific to design - Women tend to drop out the work place a lot because if you don’t have a supportive family leave, and don’t have a way to integrate your child into your work and if you are making less money than your husband why would keep working for less money ? It’s a huge shift in someone’s life.  Families have to make really tough choices, so many cases it’s the women being the caregiver,  it may seem like a choice but it is not a choice.  Women are seen as the main caregiver, its more expected to for them to take time of to look after family member. Its definitely more expected of women

on the glass ceiling? Its more of a glass cliff. You can go go go but then its then you’re off.

example of this ... Melissa Mare, CEO of Yahoo

Is Graphic Design a Boys Club?

There are parts of it design which are boys club (like typography) but men have dominated every bit of culture right now. It’s not there fault but they have only ever existed in a world that gives them this extra level of confidence and support. Its more enabling for them than it is for anybody else. I believe this is why more males raise their hand more in class and perhaps question their decisions less than women. For example, in critiques males will present a project which is “not great” and have 100% confidence in presenting. They live in an isolated bubble where it doesn’t challenge them in the same way as it challenges women.

However, there are parts of design which are female dominated, for example the wedding industry has pretty much only women graphic designers – because its traditional feminine pursuits. For women who want to do graphic design which isn’t specific to women , for example type industry , you going to have to work hard to prove yourself. To an extent web design is also male dominated.

Women attract women more than they attract men.

 It’s a difficult position being the only type of person on a team, regardless of whether you’re a female a person of colour, any distinction that makes you different from the status quo. If there isn’t gender balance in an office or diversity it’s difficult to be in the people who don’t fit that rule so the more balance the better for everyone. All parties will improve because of this, its not just improving the situation for women, also means men will have more choices to. Anyone else who helps improve balance

Men need to be involved in the conversation. A lot of men think this is a women’s issue, this is not just a women’s issue, this is a people issue, it’s a humans rights issue.

There is generation baggage surrounding the word feminism.

Do you think it difficult for women to find their place within the design community?

                               

If you are within the minority it will be difficult for you. There’s ways of finding your way through, with more awareness, opening your eyes, asking for help when you need it. Having good allies, women and businesses to look up to, having support is absolutely critical. Ann Friedman - Shine Theory

Do you think women are less inclined to self promote, and more acceptable for a career change?

Absolutely, speaking up for a salary raise , . Men and Women are given no’s at the same rate but men re-apply and re-commit more than women do. Men are traditionally seen more as go-getters and pursuers and getting enough  ‘no's’ they have build a thicker skin.

On my practical outcome... 

It’s tricky. You really targeting men than you are women . What they would respond and appeal to them and get them involved? Women will already come. You cannot solve the problem in one project. How is the best way to be fair and gender neutral, and work under those guidelines. How to speak generally about the subject with outlining the specifics – its really delicate. People have their priorities and some people just don’t care about the subject.