This week, we’re thinking about the ways that graphic design intersects with political movements, and how decisions by designers can impact messages that shape political thoughts and actions. There is a long and complex historical relationship between graphic design and American politics, and many different mediums are used in political campaigns, including flyers, posters, signs, stickers, postcards, banners and more. We’re going to focus on a particular medium of political graphic design: the personal pin or button.
- First, explore the political button collection from Harvard’s Kennedy School. You can browse the collection by time period, by subject like labor unions or peace movements, or you can choose to look at one of the archivist’s curated selection of political buttons.
- Choose a pin that you personally find visually compelling. Write a short description of what message the pin was sending to the viewer and why the person wearing the pin may have thought that message was important at that historical moment. Also note what graphic elements make the pin visually compelling to you.
- Then, design your own pin for a contemporary social or political cause. You can use your chosen historical pin as inspiration, or you can develop ideas in a new direction. Write a short description for your design, considering choices like the roles that color, type, and symbols play in the layout.
