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!

[ErnBatavia]

Ohhhh....I never had a thing about navels before, but it's coming up "Springtime"!

[TexasNative2000]

Many thanks to the fine folks at www.protestwarrior.com.

[Fixit]

I know it's been mentioned here quite a bit but Cafe Press's base price for their 2' x 3' poster is just $15.99 (plus shipping), but you need a few days lead time.

[~Peter]

Bumper sticker idea:

Today IRAQ
Tomorrow FRANCE

[photogirl]

bmmpp

[patriot5186]

Since I'm graphically challenged I'll just describe it. The slogan is "Remember 911" (with the 1's as the towers).
or on the less serious side:
I'm so French I hate myself!

[bluesagewoman]

If you are able to come up with a really nifty sign you want to be weatherproof...on the cheap...put your sign on a regular poster board with spray contact cement, then cover it front and back with clear contact paper. Don't use the Martha Stewart stuff from K-mart, but real, clear contact paper. It is as good as running it through a laminating machine.

[punster]

How about this:

IMPEACH
MARTIN
SHEEN!

[sonofatpatcher2]

Sorry, I don't have a larger version.

[Pistacio]

this may not work for a protest sign, but it is a great quote.

"I would like to wake up tomorrow morning and hear that it is 5000 degrees and cloudy in IRAQ."
Michael Savage

The Savage Nation
and ...The Paul Revere Society. 3/24/2003

www.michaelsavage.com

[Our God given right to be free]

Love all the signs posted. Fantastic idea's. I saw one that said"Give War a chance". I thought that was good to. I'm an artist so I'm gonna get my creative mind going and make some. Thanks for the input.

[Phlap]

[FourPeas]

Thanks! My mind is buzzing with possibilities.

[DoctorMichael]

Actually, I'm conflicted with regards to this picture. While funny and well done, please READ the fine print................

PRODUCED BY THE MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX IN ASSOCIATION WITH EXXON.............

This could also be placed on DU for all intents and purposes.

[Servant of the Nine]

This could also be placed on DU for all intents and purposes.

The difference is that conservatives have a sense of humor.

So9

[Servant of the Nine]

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.

Using one of the lightweight bats made for T-Ball gives a smooth comfortable grip during those long hours on line and a warm glow of security as well.

So9

[DoctorMichael]

The difference is that conservatives have a sense of humor.

No doubt. However, my reservations about this particular pik arise because it is not unlike the protestwarrior.com approach, ie. showing something that might pass for a bona fide poster that the surrounding crowd might agree with while at the same attempting to illustrate their stupidity because they do not recognize the subversiveness of the message it portrays and, more importantly, sow doubt.

[Barnacle]

Very nice! The slogan served me well as I faced off with thousands of Chicago area bozos loading busses for protests in Washington DC.

It was frustrating though, because I was the only one counter demonstrating them, I was subjected to the wrath of motorists on our side shouting things like, "Good men have died so you can stand there and protest a$$#01e!"

A sign like that is easy to read and less likely to be confuse with the enemy.

[Barnacle]

"What would Hitler do?"

LOL. That is funny and to the point. Along the same line, how about:

"WWSD? - WHAT WOULD SADDAM DO?"

[jennyp]

Here's another tweak on the idea. I like it better than "Dictators love Cowards", 'cuz it's more accurate: