Bumper stickers, lawn signs, banners, flags, or posters—people love to let the world know what they think, who they support, what bands they love, and what causes are important to them. In my neighborhood I've seen handmade signs and posters, rainbows and teddy bears in windows, thank you notes for postal workers, nurses, and doctors, Black Lives Matter banners, and American flags. What have you noticed in your neighborhood?
October is high-season for political messages—this year especially because November 3 is election day. This means that on November 3 adults, who are able to, will vote for their choice for president of the United States.
Your voice is important too! While you might not be able to vote in the upcoming presidential election, you can still make a sign, poster, or banner about something you care about!
Let's get started!
Step One: Gather Some Materials
No need to buy anything! Look throughout your home for potential art-making supplies. (Scavenger hunt!)
Materials:
- Sturdy paper or cardboard (Look in your recycling—cereal boxes or file folders are great for this!)
- Markers
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Ruler or something to draw a straight line
Step Two: Choose a Sign
Decide what kind of sign you would like to make. A window sign? A mailbox sign?
Step Three: What Will Your Sign Say?
Decide what you want your sign to say. Start out by asking yourself: What do I care about? Make a list.
Here are some ideas:
- Dogs and cats
- Thanking my mail carrier
- Gratitude to firefighters
- Happiness
- Unicorns
- Nature
Step Three: Choose Your Message
Pick two or three words for your sign. Or pick a symbol like a heart or rainbow. The most effective signs can be seen from a distance. Keep it simple!
Here are some examples:
- Save Shelter Dogs
- Thank You Firefighters
- Dare to Hope
- Have a Beautiful Day
- Love Mother Earth
Step Four: Design Your Sign
Lay out your paper, and grab your pencil.
Draw guiding lines and start to sketch out your words.
Draw pictures to illustrate your idea.
Remember to write and draw lightly. You'll go over your sketch with markers.
You can always erase and move your words or drawings.
Step Five: Make it Colorful!
Choose colors—at least one bold color like black or blue for your words. Think of colors that go with your theme.
Step Six: Finish Your Design
Using the markers, trace your pencil marks. Finish up your sign by adding any drawings or symbols that you want.
Step Seven: Show Off Your Work!
Put up your sign for everyone to see! (You might need help from an adult!)
If you share your creation on social media, tag us at @lacma! We love seeing your art!
Artists often use their work to tell us what's important to them. Artist Jacob Lawrence made a print about voting. Check out the Andell Family Sundays art activity inspired by his work!
Join us on Sunday, October 25 for a video workshop where LACMA teaching artists George Evans and Beatriz Jaramillo will teach us how to make a ballot box. What will you vote on?