Creating Effective Protest Signs

Don’t worry if you’ve never before made a sign for a rally/march/protest. It’s actually quite easy to do if you follow the basic guidelines.

1. Choose the right material: Posterboard is fine, foamboard is better. Both are inexpensive and easy to find- check your local art supply and office stores. Foam board is less likely to crinkle and distort shape and less likely to send you flailing about in a strong breeze. Handles are optional…the easiest way to create a handle is to use a 36” wooden dowel, about ½” in diameter. Check Home Depot or Lowe’s…

2. Pay careful attention to your message: The fewer words, the better. Remember that cars will be zooming by, media cameras will pan quickly, etc. The fewer words you include, the bigger the impact you’re likely to make. Short quotes, large images and brief catchphrases are best. Remember to make 2 identical signs and attach them to one another to create a “front” and “back.” If you only letter one side of your sign, you’ll miss half of your audience!

3. Format is everything: The easiest way to make a bold, clear statement is to print out your message using a color or black & white printer and adhere it to your board. If you choose to hand-write your sign, be sure to use large block letters, and strong colors with a high level of contrast to your background. Try not to over-adorn the sign as it will detract from your message.

4. Assembling an effective sign: If you print out your message, adhere it to the poster or foamboard with rubber cement- you can remove the message later without harming the board itself (which means you can make one basic sign and continually change the message to suit the event!). After your message is complete, attach the two signs to each other, back-to-back, using foam tape or mounting tape and insert the optional handle between the two boards. This type of tape is ultra-sticky, double-sided and perfect for the job.

Need some inspiration? Click here for dozens of anti-war quotes. Remember…shorter is better!

Still unsure of how to design an effective sign? Click here for some great examples of various signs.