There is a debate in the United States over the decriminalization of prostitution as many believe it puts women in danger and covers up other illegal activities, such as human trafficking. The Scarlet Sweater Project brings awareness to the benefits decriminalization creates for everyone. The domino effect this act can create would protect sex workers and establish a safe environment for them to work in, while supporting many communities that face human rights issues.
When a country decriminalizes sex work, laws can be put in place to protect sex workers and gives them the ability to voice what their communities really need in terms of support. Decriminalization is the first step to creating policies that protect people in the sex trade, it is also a step that could help many communities such as immigrants, trafficking victims, and the LGBT.
The project fights to amplify the voices of sex workers and bring them into the conversation while educating the general voter and giving them a fun yet effective way to spread the word.
When presented with the opportunity to create a project around a social issue, the discourse around sex workers' rights came to mind. The stigma that comes along with the idea of sex work is often based off of common misconceptions and outdated ideas. The laws in place that make sex work illegal, put those who make a living doing it in danger in many ways. When afraid of the possible consequences they may face by getting caught, they are less likely to report assault, sex trafficing and have less choices when it comes to their personal safety. With the shown positive impact on countries and communities that have decriminalized sex work, there is equally positive evidence that taking these same steps can be taken in the United States to make sure sex workers can be protected.
This campaign utilizes the popularity of streetwear brands by exclusively makes sweaters and hoodies that start the conversation around sex work decriminalization. Supporters have the opportunity to buy a sweater and bring awareness to the cause just by wearing it. The objective is to inspire change and offer solutions to how sex workers can be protected.
The website acts as a place where people can get all the information and resources they need to understand sex work decriminalization. It includes an about section with information, a blog, and a shopping section,
The information page contains everything for those who want to learn more about the brand and its cause. It has a horizontal scrolling section that creates an experience as the user scrolls
The blog is a place for customers to hear stories from real sex workers and a place for sex workers to have their opinions highlighted. The shopping section is where the customer can buy the sweaters and sweatshirts that show their support.
The advertising campaign shows reds and oranges that make the brand to create a warm approachable effect on a taboo topic. Some posters show statistics of the benefits of sex work and others act as the typical clothing advertisements to get people interested if they like new brands of clothes.
The billboard shows the main graphic of the fuzzy cuff and the hand. It is simple and to the point for quick glances by those who pass or drive by.
Here you can see the posters up close. They each either show statistics or customer quotes, They all include a QR code that leads to the website.
The mailer box has similar branding to the rest of the project with clouds on the inside of the box and the fuzzy cuff on the hand on the outside. The sides have the slogan "rep. inform. reform.".