Common Mag Designs: Feminist Art

I know many women shy away from talking about social issues and don’t speak their minds to simply to avoid conflict, even if they have something to say. I have always held back when it comes to voicing my opinion because I rather stay in the background than stand out. When I think about feminism and all the issues that are still going on in our world today, it’s intimidating. People are afraid of judgment, backlash, or anything that comes along with taking a stance on feminist issues. The piece I designed is a women hiding behind hands that say “the future is female”. This is to symbolize someone who is shying away from their truth with hopes that others will pave the way for the future THEY want to see. I found myself resonating with this girl as I was designing because, like many women, I find it hard to share my stories and speak up for what I believe in, hoping others will speak for me. The word future is crossed out and replaced with the word present, now making it “the present is female”, followed with the words above saying “don’t be afraid to speak your mind”. I wanted this to be a message to all women like me. We no longer should be scared or hesitate to say what we want. In today’s society we have so many platforms and communities that support one another, we can’t look to the future, we need to speak now. Every opinion is one not wasted.

Over the past year, my view of other women changed when a new friend invited me out with her close friend group, saying, "The more the merrier." It finally clicked for me that lifting each other up as women isn't just about passively seeing yourself as equals (and not saying things like "not like other girls")—it's about actively treating each other as if we're equals too.

I really tried to reflect on myself during this design process and what International Women’s Day and feminism truly means to me. I created “Yes Girl Yes” with the idea and hope in mind that we start supporting our fellow women. A lot of my experience has been with girls tearing each other down, not supporting one another, and overall making a more difficult time of an already difficult time. If we don’t stand together, we have nothing. It’s not enough to show up at the Women’s March with your girl friends, it’s also how you act on the daily to women who aren’t your friends, or who don’t share the same experiences as you. There is undeniable magic in support; the way it feels and the way it’s meant to be felt, a reason why I created my “Women Magic” piece including a quote from American playwright, poet and black feminist, Ntozake Shange. I also featured Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an influential woman using her power to fight for women’s rights. Knowing your power is not only about about looking internally and standing up for what you believe in, it’s also about empowering others. Empowered women empower women, and I think it’s time we all started showing some more support.