‘Fix wisely’ : poster design using parody for a campaign about restoration

Abstract

This dissertation proposes part of a promotional campaign that is mostly targeted at people studying restoration as well as restorers in the field, both skilled and unskilled. In the process, it outlines the importance of having the required skill, intelligence and keen interest for the profession. The campaign, “Fix wisely”, is intended to raise awareness on the recurring abuse of excessive fixing and cleaning that is slowly destroying objects’ pattern of time and historical identity. The notion of irreversibility and manipulation, which stem from bad decisions and lack of education vis-a-vis conservation, are the main components presented throughout a set of posters. A few images important to the history of graphic design were intelligently parodied and wittily repurposed to be part of the campaign’s set of posters. A uniform motto suggests that resorters fix wisely, while the parody itself is based on the irreversible destruction of the original images, helping memorability and attention. Interviews, intensive research and experimentation were carried out to populate the process of creation. The final creations were based on a review of the relevant literature, and on data gathered through the interviews with involved people.