Creating Effective Protest Signs

Summer is approaching and with it comes the unofficial protest season. As you're gearing up for a protest—like the upcoming Hands Off Rally in Tracy Park on May 18th from 1-3 PM—get ready to stand in solidarity with your community. Whether it’s for LGBTQIA2S+ equality, racial justice, reproductive rights, or simply to remind the world that kindness and joy is revolutionary.

But hang on! You need a sign! Not just any sign—a sign that lets folks know what you stand for. Here is a guide to crafting a protest sign that’s as impactful as the cause you seek to champion.

Focus on the future

It can be tempting to let your sign scream your frustrations to the world—your anger is valid—but consider instead signs that illuminate what you hope to achieve. Instead of “Down with Hate,” try “Up with Love.” Rather than “No Justice, No Peace,” consider “Justice Brings Peace.” Positive messaging can open doors for communication, reaching across the aisle to inspire and unite. Building bridges toward progress rather than burning them and shutting down constructive conversations.

Keep it short and sweet

Your sign should be easy to read from a distance. Aim for 5-7 words, max. While Squidward’s impassioned speech (The gentle laborer shall no longer suffer from the noxious greed of Mr. Krabs! We will dismantle oppression board by board! We'll saw the foundation of big business in half, even if it takes an eternity! With your support, we will send the hammer of the people's will crashing through the windows of Mr. Krabs' house of servitude!) is excellent, it is a bit long to make an effective sign. Some classics:

• Love is Love

• Black Lives Matter

• Trans Rights are Human Rights

• Protect Our Planet

• I Can’t Believe I’m Still Protesting This

Unleash your inner artist

To create a sign at home all you need is some poster board or cardboard (reuse that amazon box!), markers or paint (bold color and high contrast are best for reading at a distance), a sturdy stick for holding your sign aloft (paint stirring sticks work well), tape or glue to adhere your sign to aforementioned sturdy stick.

Step 1: Design your message, sketch out your letters lightly in pencil first. You don’t want to run out of space halfway through and end up with part of a phrase all bunched up in one corner.

Step 2: Personalize it! Add glitter, a relevant drawing, stickers—something to make your sign pop.

Step 3: Secure your sign firmly to your stick, you don’t want it flying away mid-chant. Another option would be to sandwich your stick between two signs, front and back. Two signs for the price of one with the added bonus of extra sturdiness. You don’t want your sign flopping limply in the wind.

Professional printing for extra polish

If you're short on time, aren’t feeling that crafty, want a sign you can use again and again, or just want to support a local business and make a nice sign at the same time—consider professional printing.

Here are some local options in and near Portsmouth, Ohio:

KC Printing and Promotionals, LLC

Address: 217 Market Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662

Services: Signs, banners, and a wide range of promotional products.

The UPS Store – Portsmouth Square

Address: 1712 11th St, Portsmouth, OH 45662

Services: Custom banners, posters, and signs with various materials and sizes.

North Shore Printing

Address: 1105 Gallia Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662

Services: Custom printing services for various needs.

Keystone Printing Company

Address: 842 4th St, Portsmouth, OH 45662

Services: Professional printing services with a personal touch.

MP Printing & Design

Address: 4302 Gallia St, Portsmouth, OH 45662

Services: Wide range of printed products including banners and signs.

When contacting a shop about your sign, be sure to inquire about materials that are suitable for outdoor use, turnaround times, and any design assistance they may offer.

Your sign is more than just words on cardboard, it’s a way to display your beliefs and a testament to your commitment to change and to your community. Craft it with care, hold it high, and let it amplify your voice.