If you are inclined to express your dissent in public, you might find yourself at a demonstration at some time within the next few weeks and months. There will probably be plenty of opportunities. For the time being.

I’ve learned a few things about making a protest sign in over twenty years of participating in public demonstrations. Your mileage may vary.

1. A short phrase will do. There’s a lot of visual distraction at a demonstration. Signs with extensive text don’t get read and aren’t understood by passersby.

2. Stick figure lettering can’t be read from any distance. Block letters, 4 inches high, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick are quite readable.

3. Posterboard is inexpensive. Use permanent ink. Water soluble inks just make a mess. Foamboard can work nicely on a windy day.

4. Universally understood graphics work. However, they leave less room for text.

5. Contrast and simplicity make for a readable sign.

Making a sign:

Rulers, pencils, permanent ink markers, posterboard and foamboard (approximately 22 x 28).

Try out text and layout in your word processing program. Adjust fonts, try contrasting colors. Leave sufficient space on the edges so that your handhold doesn’t obscure the text.

Measure layout from your small mockup, drawing guidelines lightly in pencil, then the text (4 x 1/2 or 3/4), also in pencil.

Black works well.

Fill in a solid color. Without fill the letters will read similarly to stick figures. Outline in another color and/or silver makes the letters appear more substantial.

Contrasting colors and underlining can help indicate word groupings within crowded text.

Examples from the past:

A bit too wordy:

Graphic:

Short message:

Stick figures are difficult to read at any distance:

Great art:

There’s no one way to do this. Just do it.

See you in the streets.