CR Blog
Protest via PDF and printer
Posted by Mark Sinclair, 4 November 2011, 10:15 Permalink Comments (5)

As one commenter pointed out in our post on the newspaper designed for Occupy London, the visual material of protest is often rooted in the means of production available. Reflective of the fact that modern movements are organised online and on-screen, freetoprotest.org aims to offer graphic support to a host of different causes...
Launched today, Free to Protest supplies visual material for protest marches and demonstrations. Visitors to freetoprotest.org can select a particular movement or cause from a drop down menu (at the moment it features only the Occupy movement) and from there choose from a range of slogans set in 12 different coloured discs. Click on one of the 192 options and it downloads as a PDF, which can be printed off to make badges, signs, t-shirts or posters.

As a resource, it's simple, quick to use and will benefit those without the skills or equipment to create bold graphics. Of course, effective protest depends upon good organisation and the distribution of a clear message, so designers have a vital role to play in the process.
But protesters have always found ways to create striking imagery without the hand of the designer. Kristopher Rae's short film of the sheer range of placards and signs on display in New York's Foley Square in October is testament to that.

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5 Comments
Paris 1968 springs to mind. This is an interesting 21st century take on a similar call for design. However I think its a little impersonal as well. Where are the angry and politically minded screen printers?!
That said, it might do well to counter the spelling mistakes and clichés I saw when I walked around the St. Paul's Tents and unify the cause.
2011-11-04 11:37:52
I'd be happy to volunteer work for this kind of site but I can't see a way for other designers to get involved. Does anyone know how to do this?
2011-11-04 13:21:08
"we are the 99%" is brilliant...looks like shite at the moment but there something really great in there waiting to get out.
However it is not '68 and we are neglected in a much subtle and sinister way, in the light of day and in our own homes. People on the streets is the best thing for it...but theres no brand to be part of no soundtrack to the revolution to unify the masses.
and I don't think I have the answer, yet.
2011-11-07 14:37:21
Wow i really like these designs, The occupy people have to get their collective goals together and make some progress. I dont want to see this fizzle out.
2011-11-07 23:10:49
Love the idea and the designs. Howver, now just need to get out and do it...
2011-11-08 14:18:21
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