The main object of the article is an attempt to answer the question about the limits of freedom and independence of professional designers. It seems to be important, especially now, when we can observe how creative industries provide to innovative development of society and to competitive advantage. Is it possible to have autonomy being a designer? Referring to B. Bourdieu’s field theory and idea of socially responsible design (Papanek, 2012) it will be shown the context of this profession as a balance of power between the individual actors (designers, client, users, society) in the field of design. Object of the present text is description of the designer’s profession in relation to the subjectively perceived degree of professional independence. The example used to analyze this issue are interviews conducted among British designers from Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design.

My case study examines an issue of Slovak occupation of the northern parts of Spisz and Orava regions in years 1939–1945 in the narration of the „Nový svet” – weekly newspaper. Slovak Army`s participation in invasion of Poland in September 1939 was an important topic for press all over that new country. Media platforms were informing their readers about military successes and diplomatic arrangements. In the article I analyse the process of creating propaganda narrative about attack, annexation and then administration over the conquered lands. The weekly was richly illustrated, so I write about role of the text as well as the picture. It should be remembered that many Slovaks were still illiterate at that time. The article considers if the narration has changed over the years.