Politics By Design

Written by: jc on Jul 28, 2006 11:11 AM EDT

Just how important are graphics to politics? Some would probably place artists pretty low in the campaign organizational charts, yet few serious campaigns make it very far without some kind of graphic message. It may be something as simple as a logo in chosen colors and fonts. Buttons and bumperstickers, and sometimes T-shirts, have become standard fare for all but the lowest-budget campaigns.

Now that many campaigns are using the internet, artwork is becoming an essential element to any web design. Graphic designs and animations are becoming common for spreading a message.

Outside of formal campaigns, through improvements in home computer equipment and through wide availability of commercial printing services, anyone can display or wear a political message. Apparently, this can have a powerful effect. Even the President of the United States is so concerned about the effects of a graphic message, that he is willing to remove or ban citizens from his speeches, often for nothing more disruptive than wearing a T-shirt or button with a message he doesn't like. Voters are ejected from the halls of Congress for the simple act of wearing a graphic message. People are prevented from entering meetings because of bumperstickers spotted on their vehicles.

Although artists often work behind the scenes, I suggest that it would be hard to conduct politics without them.

Footnote: Check the files section for free graphics. More coming... Hopefully, other artists will share designs here, too.

www.dfalink.com/group_files.php?...

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