Donating design experience for 2018 candidates

[Nwgirl503]

I've donated money, called for candidates, collected signatures, hosted campaign fundraisers, called, faxed and emailed every single rep I can think of for every single issue that has come up and I'm still wracking my brain how I can contribute for the upcoming Blue Wave.

I used to do graphic design for a living, and I was thinking that I could donate my services to candidates. Is that something I can just contact candidates and offer, or do I have to have a business or non-profit set up to be able to do that? Anyone know?

[madamesilverspurs]

1. Go for it!

I've been donating design work for quite a while. T-shirts, bumper stickers, buttons, literature, candidate or issue logos, posters, yard signs, parade banners, etc. In the process, I've gotten to know the local silk screening shops and printers and have been able to steer some business their way. My only requirement is that the candidates be Democrats. Since I can no longer canvass, this is a great way to participate.

Also, the local party office is always needing design work for events, so there's that as well; I just "draw the pictures", they bear the production costs. It's also a great way to get to know the candidates; we usually meet over coffee and talk, discuss colors and fonts, I explain copyright stuff. I ask them to check their local election rules for any disclaimer requirements (eg, "Paid for by..." ) that need to be included on the finished product. I also leave it to them to choose a sign shop, then I adjust the design to fit. No money changes hands, I'm just another campaign volunteer. And I have a heck of a lot of fun!


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[crazycatlady]

2. I'd check with your county party

Many campaigns outsource their graphic design work (website, walk pieces, direct mail) to firms that specialize in it (as a campaign staffer with terrible graphic design skills, I'm thankful in this way). If the race is considered 'top tier' (DCCC district,etc) chances are the graphic design is outsourced.

That said, I've seen long shot candidates use some pretty terrible in house printed materials (one looked like she just discovered Microsoft Word Art, etc). Perhaps these are the ones who need your skills the most.

Another thing to consider-- there are some in house materials that aren't necessarily given to the voters, but appear in house. Things like volunteer sign in sheets, scripts, etc. Also consider designing postcards since that seems to be an up and coming form of voter contact.

[Mc Mike]

3. Can you think up and preview some graphic designs on this site,

for us to look at, for some races you've been following, Nw? Or some general purpose designs, which local candidates could fill in for themselves?

I've seen a lot of good stuff posted here by artistic computer literate members, over the past couple of years.