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!

[chiya]

cool picture, mind if I post it on my website?

[pattnet]

PEACE THROUGH VICTORY

[jennyp]

cool picture, mind if I post it on my website?

Sure, go ahead!

[chiya]

thanks,

[HighWheeler]

I have used 1' thick rigid foam insulation board from Home Depot for mounting the sign, it couldn't be a better mounting medium.

An 4' X 8' by 1" thick sheet costs about $12, you can make four signs all 2' X 4' size, or 2 giant 4' X 4' signs from it.

- It cuts easily with a sharp kitchen knife or razor
- It is lightweight (very important after holding it 3 hours).
- It is water proof
- It is reusable
- It is cheap
- You can hold a corner of it while the rest of the sign is hanging out over the street.
- Simply use spray-on adhesive to mount a paper printed sign.

It works so great, that Algore finally conceded to Bush after I held my signs at rallys for 3 weeks.

[Coastie]

you're just too cool!

[Humidston]

I can't do graphics, but my new sign idea is simple... (If you're opposing the Marxists on the street):

DEMOCRATS OVER THERE!!

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>

[SENTINEL]

I'm a pro. Here's an example.

Here's what I recommend.

Supplies from Wal-Mart :
Two sheets "poster board". This is the rigid stuff with 1/4" foam sandwiched between heavy paper. Cost $3.00 each.
One hardwood yard stick available in the sewing department. Cost $1.00.
2" wide clear strapping tape, one roll. Cost $2.00.
7/16" staples for staple gun.

Take your pic from Kinkos or lettering and scotch tape it onto board as desired. Wrap entire board with 2" clear tape horizontally from top to bottom. Wrap several turns vertically right in the center of the board to keep staples from pulling through. Staple gun through tape reinforced section of board and into yard stick. Repeat process for other side of sign.

Although you're in 10 or 12 bucks, you now have a FreeRepublic quality protest sign that is water, wind and puke proof, and will last for years. Want to change it up ? Simply pull the staples, tape on new pics, and reinstall boards onto yard stick !! The more you use it the stronger it gets, kind of like patriotism.

Here's the back side of the same sign. Now get to work freepers !!

[Humidston]

Sheesh! I meant an arrow on the last post - pointing to the leftists.

[RandallFlagg]

I just make a sign using PaintShop Pro and print it out with my Epson photo printer in "Poster" form. It sounds similar to your suggestion because it gives me cutting lines as well. Then after printing, I cut 'em out, tape 'em together, mount 'em on posterboard and cover 'em all up with clear tape in case we get rain or snow at the FReeps.

[lindasobers]

I went to Staples (or other office supply store) and bought sturdy poster board (3 for 6 bucks) and red stick-on letters (get extras) You can take a picture to a copy machine and they can enlarge it for you.
Get a glue stick and your all ready. If you are not real creative, find a nice conservative teenager. (Lots of them in my family!) Good luck and "Salute the Troops!!
Linda

[Gangchen_gonpo]

I have been making signs for sometime and you can also pick 3'x4' sheets of the foam insulation from an office supply store.

Some kinkos have the enlargement machine that takes a 8.5x11 and turns it into 3'X4'. I just take a paper copy of Word or whatever file and make a large copy.

Glue sticks work fine to keep it attached.

Here are some examples:

[Boot Hill]

An often overlooked, but vital part of protest sign design is the stick used to hold the sign. For your own personal protection against attack, make the stick out of 2"x2" hardwood. If you think that hardwood costs too much, consider the cost of one trip to the emergency room to get yourself stitched up.

--Boot Hill

[fivetoes]

Looks like an area you may have some expertise in.

[Samurai_Jack]

Think, Ten Dollars per square foot

[Rate_Determining_Step]

I've heard that if you have a "hardnened" stick, your sign will be prohibited by the police. I'm sure this depends on your locality. There have been suggestions of cardboard tubes as the prescribed component.

Re: Personal protection - just watch out for sucker-punches. Watch out when you see someone's hair line above the brow, you're about to be head-butted. (solution: knee) When you're being jostled, manhandled, elbows are your friends... :)

[2rightsleftcoast]

Love your sign!
How about FREE IRAQ FRY MUMIA

[NH Liberty]

""DICTATORS LOVE COWARDS""

Thanks for the idea! I might use this one for our FReep in Medford, MA on Saturday... although I might change it slightly to "Dictators Love Appeasers."

[2rightsleftcoast]

I forgot one of my favorites, saw picture of it from the Freep of the Oscars.
SMOKE SADAAM, NOT CRACK.

[The Californian]

bump