If you want to say something about women’s rights to fair pay, you could write, “Equal pay for equal work. ”[2] X Research source If you want to say something about human rights at a women’s march, you could write, “Women’s rights are human rights. ” If you want to say something about the inequitable impacts of global climate change, you could use the term “Climate justice. ” To convey the urgency of the need to tackle climate change, you could write, “Climate justice now. ” Then, you could visually highlight this statement with a symbol, such as an image of the planet melting on an ice cream cone. [3] X Research source

At the March on Washington in 1963, protestors held signs saying, “We demand an end to bias now. ” These 7 words convey the urgent need to end racial bias in America.

The peace sign was designed by British artist Gerald Holtom. It was originally designed for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). The symbol for the female sex is often used in women’s marches and feminist campaigns. The equals sign can be used to represent equality. The fist can be used as a symbol for social justice. Symbols that go well together can be combined.

For instance, if you are a fan of a particular show or film, draw on your fan wisdom to make a political statement. If you identify as queer, transgender, female, working-class, or something else, connect your statement to this particular identity or intersection of identities.

If you are protesting with friends, you could also ask whether your statement goes well with the signs they will be carrying. People often read signs in relation to one another, especially when protestors stand next to one another.

You could design your sign in Microsoft Word or Adobe Illustrator, print it out, and use the printout as a guide when writing the message on the sign. If you have to start writing the letters really small on the edge of the sign, people are unlikely to read it.

Paint markers work great for writing text on protest signs. You can get paint markers at art supply stores. Repeat this process on the other side of the poster board. If you are expecting your protest to receive any form of media attention, you should design a double-sided sign.

Artist Lorraine Schneider designed a protest sign with only yellow, orange, and black. The sign included an image of a fragile flower and read ‘War is not healthy for children and other living things. ’ It became famous during the Vietnam War protests. [15] X Research source

For instance, you could attach a three-dimensional globe to a foamcore poster at a climate justice protest.

You could also ask a friend to hold your sign up when testing for legibility.

Poster board is a popular and cheap option. The disadvantage is that it is easily damaged and bent, which can make your sign hard to read. Foamcore is a sturdy option if you want to use mixed media or incorporate any three-dimensional elements into your design, but it’s a little more expensive than poster board. Corrugated plastic sign blanks are very sturdy and can be obtained at most hardware stores since they are also used for real estate signs. If you use this material, you will have to attach the sides together with tape. [21] X Research source

Easel backs are a self-sticking attachment. You can attach one on either side of the sign and fold out the tabs to use as handles. They are self-sticking so you don’t need extra adhesive. These are great for both poster board and foamcore. Single pieces of 3 by 1 inch (7. 6 by 2. 5 cm) wood are often used, since you can easily staple or nail the base to a single piece of wood. You will need staples or nails to attach this type of handle to your poster boards. If you are using a heavier base like corrugated plastic, this can be a good option. However, wood is not permitted at many protests. Dowel is sometimes used, which is a little easier to hold for long periods in comparison to 3 by 1 inch (7. 6 by 2. 5 cm) wood. This is a good option for corrugated plastic sign blanks. You will need staples or nails. However, wood is not permitted at many protests.

Alternately, you could just attach one poster board to the handle. You will have a one-sided protest sign. Normally, protest signs have things written on both sides. If you are on a budget, or one of the boards is torn up, it is very simple to make a sign with only one side.

If you have a hard time making the handle comfortable to hold, you may benefit from a plan B. For instance, you could attach a string to the top of the sign. When you get tired of holding the handle, you can put the string around your neck. [24] X Research source