Sign-Making 101

3/25/2003 | JennyP

[jennyp]

I need some guidance on how to print & construct protest/rally signs.

We have some ideas, and some graphics made up. (We're not good at making hand-lettered signs.) But where do you go to get them printed? On what stock? What sizes are standard? How much do they cost? What's the turnaround time?

Here's my idea, scaled for 16x20. (see Full size GIF here):

Also, let's make this thread a repository of your best sign ideas, or the best ones you've seen so far.

Thanks!

[NH Liberty]

Excellent, jennyp -- excellent!

[NH Liberty]

And what about "Dictators Love Appease-niks" (!)

[Samurai_Jack]

Hey You all,

Here's some PDF files you can send to your local kinkos and print on color sheets for a couple o' bucks a page (something like 9 pages per sign). Then paste on 20" x 30" cardboard sheets.

http://users.erols.com/landoc/signs/3270.pdf
http://users.erols.com/landoc/signs/UncleGeorge.pdf
http://users.erols.com/landoc/signs/nowworking.pdf
http://users.erols.com/landoc/signs/usaeagle.pdf

Hope Im not stepping on anyones copyright.

[Samurai_Jack]

Here's a couple more

http://users.erols.com/landoc/signs/communismkills.pdf
http://users.erols.com/landoc/signs/islamicproperty.pdf
http://users.erols.com/landoc/signs/nobusiness.pdf
http://users.erols.com/landoc/signs/warneversolved.pdf

Credit due to www.protestwarrior.com

[Barnacle]

Cool.

Can you do the one from post #99 featuring a skull and crossbones?

[gocats]

Look up printers in the yellow pages almost any printer will be able to give you good info. Remember always get 3 bids.

[Samurai_Jack]

http://users.erols.com/landoc/signs/whatwouldsaddamdo.pdf

Were you asking me?

[Barnacle]

Jack, I'd like to view what you did, but all I get is a red X instead of an image. Any ideas?

[jennyp]

Here's some PDF files you can send to your local kinkos and print on color sheets for a couple o' bucks a page (something like 9 pages per sign). Then paste on 20" x 30" cardboard sheets.

Well, I went down to the Bellevue WA Kinko's & made a 24"x36" copy of "NOW inspections are working". It was $2.00 for a single copy on the large-format copier, but it was black & white only. I had to re-do the "NOW" in white with a thin outline, then I filled in the red with magic marker. They quoted color copies at several $$$/sq. ft., which at 2'x3' (6 sq. ft.) would be pricey, plus it was a 1-day turnaround.

I got a 3-pack of 30"x40" foam core at Office Depot for $13.00, and a couple rolls of plain transparent contact paper at Home Depot for $13.00. (I only needed one, and these will last us through several campaigns.)

The result looks great! I'll be making up a couple "Dictators (love) Appeasers" tomorrow, probably in 16x20, and filling in the heart by hand.

Here are the B&W templates, if anyone's interested:

[Samurai_Jack]

Download and install adobe acrobat viewer. The viewer is free.

[Samurai_Jack]

I bought the foam core and split it in half for two 30x20 signs.
Then I used the poster printer software to expand the picture to 20x30, then divided it up into 8.5x11 sheets and then printed it either to an acrobat file (some of which I posted here) or to my deskjet printer. (sure gave it a workout)
Then I used some spray-on elmers glue to paste the mosaic to the foam core. Worked great.

You will find that the kinkos prices vary by region and from store to store. They wanted 50 bucks for a color poster here. $100.00 if I wanted both sides!

[wafflehouse]

very very very nice... very

[Barnacle]

I downloaded it but, still no image.

[Samurai_Jack]

Well... assuming that you have installed it then the only thing I can conclude is that you have a setting that disallows opening files or you have a problem with your registry. I suggest you check with your computer support person to help you out, or just go to the kinkos and let them print it for you.

[jennyp]

Here's another idea I had. What do y'all think, should I make it up into a poster too?

[cuz_it_aint_their_money]

Hey Jack,
Thanks for the .pdf files.
I have a request though, can you make one with the FreeRepublic logo in say about 20" x 20". (give or take)

I really need it for this Saturday's rally to gather all the FReepers who will be there.

Every time I try to enlarge it I lose the definition, and it comes out looking like blobs of colors all run together.

Thanks in advance.
Cuz

[ChadGore]

CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGE VERSION

[ChadGore]

[MissBaby]

Very Good!

[MissBaby]

It is the Brave
that Made
The Land of the Free