Using your GD Skills for the Election

Ok, so we had somewhat of a heated discussion last week about the manifesto and the duty of graphic designers to design for a good cause. Could that good cause be the Presidential election?

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a blog post about 'Rock the Vote ' and the artwork of Frank Shepard Fairey .

Today I will show you other artists who have lent their skills to the Presidential election.
Their skills in art help sell items that in turn benefit the candidate. I do not know for sure what kind of compensation, monetary, the artist received but, in sticking to the manifesto criteria, is it selling Alpo?


"When I was invited to contribute the first all-typographic poster to the Artists for Obama collection, I knew immediately that I wanted to work with the text of his stirring speech, "A More Perfect Union." Barack Obama is a leader unique in the history of our nation, who not only understands but embodies what it means to be an American in the 21st century: not only to reflect on our rich heritage, but to embrace our possibilities."

-Jonathan Hoefler

Although years in the works, "HOPE" was brought to a passionate finish by Robert Indiana in support of Barack Obama, who he hopes will be our next President. Robert Indiana, American artist and sculptor of the ionic "LOVE" sculpture, has donated all proceeds from the print and the various HOPE products made for the campaign to Barack Obama's run for Presidency and, while he generally stays in the world of art, he finds this election a critical one that will dramatically impact America's future. He encourages people to take a stand and vote Obama.

-Robert Indiana
"I am honored to support Barack Obama's history-making presidential bid through one of his many visionary platforms, including recognizing the importance of art in America. My artwork is inspired by his words, wisdom, accomplishments, and expression of our hopes and dreams for a better America. Our world is facing seemingly insurmountable economic and environmental challenges. It is a rare occurrence to behold a leader like Barack Obama who understands what America must do in order to reclaim itself on the world stage. As a first generation immigrant, I have confidence that America can collectively overcome these challenges under Obama's presidency. YES WE CAN!"

-Antar Dayal

"Hearing Senator Barack Obama emphatically state, "I want to end the mindset that got us into war in the first place," I was moved to hope that the next President of the United States would share my belief in the possibility of world peace. I immediately began to make a work of art to support Senator Obama's ideals and, more practically, his campaign. It is my hope to help him through this action to become the leader who would strive not only to change the policies of our nation, but the outlook of its citizens. "

-Lou Stovall



"I see Barack Obama as a leader who can inspire people to effect change and who himself can effect change. As an artist, it was only natural for me to want to create something that visually echoed these sentiments. I wanted to create an image that evoked the ideals I feel are central to our needs at this critical time in history: change, progress and hope. Because Barack Obama represents all three of these things to me, I felt compelled to express that through my work."

-Scott Hansen

In keeping with a policy of fairness, I did attempt to find similar artwork for the other candidate. What I did find was the usual bumper sticker and lawn sign. This must be new -
Remember- some graphic designer somewhere used his or her skills to make this artwork.