12 December 2024

A punk mentality is a rare thing. [Linked In], more often than not, reveals how truly conformist many of us are.

Recently there’s been some hubbub about things like “heritage” and how there’s “a right way to do things”. I don’t know about everyone else but I didn’t get into design to do things how they’re meant to be done. I certainly didn’t set out to continue the status quo. It’s easily lost though, over a decade of working with clients, pushing against their aversions to risk, pulling them towards something more ambitious, emboldening them to say something real. That can really suck the life out of you and leave you a little more passive.

So what does it mean to be a non-conformist, to have a punk mentality? What might Punk look like as a set of values to adhere to...

1. Nonconformity

  • Rejecting societal norms, expectations, and traditional rules.

  • Valuing individuality over fitting in or adhering to mainstream trends.

2. DIY Ethos

  • A strong belief in “do-it-yourself” approaches, whether in music, art, business, or life.

  • Prioritising creativity, resourcefulness, and the ability to produce and create independently.

3. Rebellion Against Authority

  • Questioning systems of power, such as governments, corporations, or social hierarchies.

  • Refusing to accept rules or control imposed without reason or fairness.

4. Authenticity

  • Valuing honesty, self-expression, and staying true to one’s principles.

  • Rejecting superficiality or compromise for the sake of popularity or acceptance.

5. Empowerment

  • Believing in one’s ability to create change, both personally and collectively.

  • Encouraging grassroots action and mutual support within communities.

6. Embracing Imperfection

  • Valuing rawness, imperfection, and honesty over polish and commercialism.

  • Recognising beauty and strength in flaws and failures.

7. Inclusivity

  • Challenging elitism or exclusionary practices within subcultures or broader society.

  • Advocating for equity and fairness, often for marginalised groups.

8. Critique of Consumerism

  • Resisting over-commercialisation, fast fashion, and material excess.

  • Valuing sustainability, second-hand culture, and conscious consumption.

9. Resilience

  • Refusing to back down in the face of adversity.

  • Finding ways to thrive despite limited resources or systemic challenges.

In short, Punk is about rejecting passivity and unapologetically forging your own path. I think we could all benefit from doing a bit more of that. Or perhaps there’s no place for this in the world of work and I should get back in my box?