How do you visually convey your stance on a social issue that matters to you? Protest posters have long been a powerful medium for blending text and imagery to champion causes, challenge controversies, and spark debate. Rooted in history, these posters reflect the social and political landscapes of their time.
In this collaborative workshop, you’ll partner with like-minded creatives to choose a cause and design your own social justice poster. Together, we’ll dive into the rich iconography of political movements, exploring how we can amplify our collective voice at the community level.
Join Ventura Castro, AIGA Portland’s VP of Partnerships and Creative Director at NBC ArtWorks Studio, along with Michael Ellsworth, Creative Director at Civilization, a design agency known for its advocacy work, as they guide us through the intersection of graphic design and social movements. We’ll draw inspiration from the Portland Art Museum’s Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s exhibition, examining how past movements have influenced visual culture.
The session begins with a deep dive into the symbols and iconography prevalent in media, politics, and cultural systems in the U.S. We’ll investigate media literacy by analyzing how graphic elements are used to frame political issues and influence public opinion. You’ll learn to critically assess the credibility of sources and understand how visual messaging aligns with various agendas.
Following the discussion, illustrator and designer Julz Clementine will lead a hands-on cut-paper poster workshop, turning your ideas into tangible, impactful art. We’ll transform our inspirations into graphic designs that speak truth to power.