The Letterville BullBoard: You Be The Art Director/Copywriter

This is topic You Be The Art Director/Copywriter in forum Design/Cost Workshop at The Letterville BullBoard.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.letterville.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/5/111.html

Posted by Ken Henry (Member # 598) on :

Here's a design problem that most shops wouldn't encounter very often. A farmer calls you and says that he's wanting to erect on his property, a mini-billboard ( size 8' x 12') that promotes the "pro life" option for those women who are pregnant. The sign will be sponsored by the local Knights of Columbus chapter...of which he is an Officer. The sign should also prominently feature a "1-800 NUMBER " that is a dedicated "help line".

The farmer, or the Knights of Columbus chapter have no previous experience with signs and have no idea of how to go about promoting this cause. They ask you, and are willing to pay you for designing this signboard. They want something "tasteful and appropriate" but not offensive. Once this sign design is approved, the intention is to have a couple of these signs made, and installed on the property of 2 members of their organization.

This sign is different in several ways:
1. You are selling an idea, rather than a product or service.

2. You have total control over what and how you design this signboard...including editing the copy.

3. This may or may not be an idea that you agree with, morally, politically, or ethically.

This project is a whole lot tougher than you might think. Are you up to the challenge?

This also may be a project that our female members would have strong opinions about, and their designs would probably be "coloured by their convictions".

PS: The dedicated "help line is primarily for teenage girls. The organization will help find them homes to stay at, pre-natal care etc. if they choose to carry their babies to term rather than choose the abortion alternative.

Post a thumbnail version of your design, and let's have some fun.

------------------
Ken Henry
Henry & Henry Signs
London, Ontario Canada
(519) 439-1881
e-mail kjmlhenry@home.

The grass is often greener on the other side, because they've been in deeper kaka.

[This message has been edited by Ken Henry (edited June 10, 2000).]

Posted by Sarah Clark (Member # 413) on :

This is one case where I would let my convictions take precedence and I would refuse to do the sign and probably tell the man that I thought it was his and no one elses business what a woman does in this situation unless he and his associates are into adopting large numbers of unwanted children.

------------------
S. Clark
Clark Signs (retired)
Compton, Arkansas
sasc@alltel.net
http://www.fortunecity.com/business/notebook/1172/
http://members.xoom.com/sclark/
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/

Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :

OK, ken, please give this to us again, sarah got out of this that the young girls were to be made to call this help number at gunpoint, and i didn't read it that way. am i missing something here?

------------------
Don Coplen aka "SaintPete"
Coplen Designs
St.Petersburg, FL dcoplen@mindspring.com

Posted by Ken Henry (Member # 598) on :

As I said previously, this may or may not be a project that folks would wish to take on...because of their convictions. This is simply "freedom of expression" at work. In a democratic society, people are free to express their views...even if they happen to be contrary to yours.

Everyday, we read or listen to statements that we may or may not agree with. These people are simply expressing their views on a given subject, but are not forcing their views on anyone. You may find the message offensive...but they do have the right to express their views, in whatever format they choose.

------------------
Ken Henry
Henry & Henry Signs
London, Ontario Canada
(519) 439-1881
e-mail kjmlhenry@home.

The grass is often greener on the other side, because they've been in deeper kaka.

Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :

We have two kids that came into our lives from young teenage girls wanting more for their babies than they could provide. They needed help and encouragement and direction in an environment telling them to abort and forget about it. Those signs could help, with gentle support from the folks at the answering end of the ring. I'm very glad to know the people in my household that could have been a pile of tissue in a dumpster.

Time permissable, design will follow soon.

------------------
The SignShop
Mendocino, California
"Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"

Posted by SIGNBOY99 on :

Funny, I did one of these exact signs about 8 years ago for the "farmer" and the Knights of Columbus. I had people commenting on the sign as I was working on it and told them I am in this business to provide a service, my or anyone elses opinions should be kept to themselves. I painted the sign, got paid on time and everyone was happy. Can't say that about all of my customers. I know this isn't a fair comparison, but I do a lot of race car lettering, should I turn down a job because I don't like a sponsor on the car or don't agree with what they do or how they run their business? Don't think so! If I can find a picture of this sign I will gladly post it here, but I may need some help doing so.

------------------
Mike Murray
Murray Signs
Freeport IL USA
"A business with no sign is a sign of no business"

Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :

Mike Murray ... email me your pic when you find it, and I'll post for you.

I've got some ideas swirling in my head about this one. I can't help but think that just the right photograph conveying an essence of life, with a brief but pointed message that carries meaning and hits home would serve as the best solution here. Nothing authoritative or finger pointing .... just a view towards some clarity, and words that appeal to the human elements of this situation. As it should.

I would want to convey a message that encourages youth to stop, THINK and consider their options .... a message that makes them aware that there is help for them out there. That there are options to choosing life, if they would just reach out for some help.

This one is a tough one Ken. The importance of the impact in this message, coupled with the desire not to offend has me apprehensive, and missing some beats here. Still working on it in my head though ... and my heart.

Nettie

------------------
"When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"

Janette Balogh
Sign Studio
in Sunny Florida
jbalogh@earthlink.net
Current Pet Profile - Please send us yours!
http://www.markfair.com/nettie

Start packing and move in! It's just too easy to be a Resident!
Location, Location, Location! It's all right here!
http://www.letterhead.com/supporters

Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :

Perhaps this will be a kickstart on this.

The fade on this sketch does not convey well as a jpg file. Something happened in the conversion, but it should be a subtle fade that feathers out from light teal to white ... with no greys as it shows here.

As for the image that I don't want to put the time into searching out or drawing, I see it as a watercolour illustration, or a misty photograph that feathers out diagonally from the corner and left side of the billboard.

------------------
"When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"

Janette Balogh
Sign Studio
in Sunny Florida
jbalogh@earthlink.net
Current Pet Profile - Please send us yours!
http://www.markfair.com/nettie

Start packing and move in! It's just too easy to be a Resident!
Location, Location, Location! It's all right here!
http://www.letterhead.com/supporters

[This message has been edited by Janette Balogh (edited June 11, 2000).]

Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :

Finding the right words shouldn't be that difficult. It could be done without offending many. Someone will no doudt be offended by anything. I wouldn't hesitate to jump on a job like this whether it's a donation or a paying job. It's something I believe in. Twice so far.

------------------
The SignShop
Mendocino, California
"Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"

[This message has been edited by Rick Sacks (edited June 11, 2000).]

Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :

I can easily imaging Nettie's layout with the kid on a swing swooshing into the scene. That movement would really bring the thing to life. I also really like mixing the script capitals with the italics. They work well together.

------------------
The SignShop
Mendocino, California
"Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"

Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :

I'm posting a couple of Ken Henry's versions.
Below the images are Ken's descriptions regarding each.

The sign with the modified "woman symbol" is a more aggressive type , and
conveys a thought provoking statement. The unspoken implication is that had
the viewer's mom not chosen "life", then the viewer wouldn't be present, and
reading the message. It also begs the question of "where would you be had
she chosen the alternative?"

The sign with the "solitary" girl on it was worded in such a way as to give
the targeted viewer an "enhanced self image" in that it empowers her to give
the gift of life. It also reinforces the fact that she doesn't have to face
this situation alone...that help is available. I don't know how well this
succeeds, but that was the intent.

------------------
"When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"

Janette Balogh
Sign Studio
in Sunny Florida
jbalogh@earthlink.net
Current Pet Profile - Please send us yours!
http://www.markfair.com/nettie

Start packing and move in! It's just too easy to be a Resident!
Location, Location, Location! It's all right here!
http://www.letterhead.com/supporters

Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :

Hehehehe! Now we need one for a balanced approach!
How about a design for the "Kavorkian Hospice" ?

------------------
Si Allen #562
La Mirada, CA. USA
(714) 521-4810
ICQ # 330407
"SignPainters do It with Longer Strokes!"

Brushasaurus on Chat

Gladly supporting this BB !

Posted by Sarah Clark (Member # 413) on :

Where did I anywhere mention young girls and guns held to them? I just told you what I would do in this case and you all can do just what you want in a case like this. There are other things I would refuse to do too, such as profanity or discriminatory things. I am not presuming to tell any of you what to do. He asked opinions and I gave him mine.

Posted by Kelli (Member # 248) on :

Taking you up on the challenge, Nettie. To be honest I forgot about this category and kept looking for the post in the Portfolio section. A lot of good ideas here. Nettie, the colors and text are great. A soft message designed to soothe. I liked Rick's simple, clean cut layout and I really liked Ken's layout utilizing the symbol. Very nice balance, color and the message is good for conveying Pro-Life.

I liked the idea of using an actual photo of a pregnant teen for the reality element. Ideally, she'd be slightly turned to better display the tummy. I put the word Life in reverse as a sort of subliminal message, and purposely left off any reference to Pro-Life as the idea is to encourage the teen contemplating abortion to call and she'd be more likely to call if she felt she could discuss that option. Here's my contribution:

------------------
Kelli Cajigas aka Janda
Dolphin deSigns & Banners
“A satisfied customer will tell two friends, a dissatisfied customer will tell ten.”

[This message has been edited by Kelli (edited June 15, 2000).]

Posted by Ken Henry (Member # 598) on :

Hi Kelli. The photo you've chosen sure hits home, and brings a real focus to the message. I think this would attract the attention of the girls/young women that this ad is aimed at.
What really amazes me, is that this topic relates much more to women, but there seems to be a lack of interest in participating here. Thank you for your contribution. I hope that it'll inspire a few more ladies to post a layout of their idea.

------------------
Ken Henry
Henry & Henry Signs
London, Ontario Canada
(519) 439-1881
e-mail kjmlhenry@home.

The grass is often greener on the other side, because they've been in deeper kaka.

UBB.classic™ 6.7.2