Signs of the Times
On Saturday, August 16th, from 9:30–11:30 am, drop by the Dem Office in Cedar Crest within these hours and create your own statement for democracy! We’ll have some supplies, inspiration, and good company as we design bold, clever protest signs together. Come ready to turn your words into action — and your action into art.
If you have your own supplies, please bring them along.
Here are some ideas for DIY Protest Sign & Banner Materials (Road-Readable)
Sign Bases
• Large cardboard sheets (from appliance or bike boxes)
• Foam board (lightweight, holds up well)
• Old political yard signs (flip & recover)
• Flattened shipping boxes
• Bedsheets or tablecloths (for multi-person banners)
Handles / Supports
• Yardsticks, paint stir sticks, or broom handles
• PVC pipe sections (light, durable)
• Wooden dowels
Lettering & Decoration (No Mess)
• Jumbo permanent markers (black for main text, bold colors for accents)
• Paint pens (vivid color, dries instantly)
• Pre-cut adhesive vinyl letters or shapes
• Wide masking tape or painter’s tape (for crisp lettering)
• Stencils (for uniform lettering)
Assembly & Weatherproofing
• Duct tape (strong & versatile)
• Heavy-duty staples (for attaching to wood handles)
• Clear packing tape (laminates & protects paper signs)
• Binder clips (for fastening banners to poles)
5 tested layout tips:
1️⃣ Go Big & Bold with Text
• Main message: at least 4–6 inches tall letters for signs; 8–10 inches for banners.
• Use all caps for maximum legibility.
• Limit to 3–6 words — short and punchy wins.
2️⃣ High Contrast is Best
• Dark letters on light background (black on white, navy on yellow, red on white).
• Avoid busy patterns behind text.
• If using fabric, choose solid colors that won’t bleed through.
3️⃣ Hierarchy Matters
• Put the key action word(s) in the largest font:
• VOTE — SAVE DEMOCRACY — NO FASCISM
• Supporting text can be smaller but still readable for pedestrians.
4️⃣ Keep It Simple to Read Fast
• People in cars have 2–3 seconds to get your message.
• No cursive fonts, no cramped lettering, no overly clever wordplay that takes too long to get.
5️⃣ Test Before You Print or Paint
• Stand back 20–30 feet (or tape it to a wall and drive by) — can you read it instantly?
• If not, make letters bigger or reduce text.