Not at Home: Im[Migration] and Design

Not long ago, Venezuela was considered the wealthiest in Latin America. Today, Human Rights Watch estimates that 2.3 million Venezuelan refugees are scattered through the Americas. Imagine having to leave your home with just a few possessions. The world is currently witnessing a wave of mass migration, with nearly 65 million people being displaced because of war or persecution, and an even higher number migrating from poverty. This thesis uses design to visually articulate the personal narratives surrounding the struggles of flight and the significance of emotion to the debate on migrant identity, acculturation, and the perception of being the other, focusing on the current displacement crisis in Venezuela. The visual message making process of graphic design is used as a catalyst for social good with the intent to create a conversation and generate an experience and that promotes advocacy.