Two sections of the Design of Visual Images course participated in AIGA’s Get Out the Vote initiative, creating posters that merged academic learning with civic engagement. Led by Assistant Professor Shannon Zenner, the project emphasized creative originality, research into voter issues, and the use of analog design to inspire action and highlight the importance of democratic participation.
The new election posters adorning the second-floor hallway in Schar Hall – and many other walls across campus – aren’t just there to add color to the space. Rather, the creators hope their designs spark thoughtful conversations about democracy and the power of individual voices.
As part of AIGA’s Get Out the Vote initiative, two sections of Assistant Professor Shannon Zenner’s Design of Visual Images class created thought-provoking posters amplifying the importance of voting and democratic participation. This initiative, part of AIGA’s Design for Democracy program, invites designers nationwide to use their design skills for nonpartisan civic engagement. For the students at Elon, this presented a golden opportunity to merge their academic learning with meaningful social impact.
“This project appealed to me both for its civic and academic relevance,” Zenner said. “It allowed students to refine their visual communication skills while also engaging with civic responsibility.”
Zenner, whose own research delves into political campaign design and branding, integrated elements that prepared the students for this challenge. The Project Pericles curriculum was introduced to inform the students’ understanding of voter suppression, enriching the context behind their design process. This knowledge helped students not only create impactful messages, but also to embed layers of significance in their work, moving beyond surface-level themes.
The project timeline spanned roughly four weeks during which students conducted thorough research, refined their concepts, and underwent multiple critique sessions before finalizing their pieces.
An interesting aspect of the project was Zenner’s encouragement for students to incorporate analog design elements, aiming to balance the influx of AI-driven methods with a touch of human authenticity.
“In this age of AI, it’s vital for design students to understand how to incorporate analog elements that machines can’t easily replicate,” she said.
Once the posters were completed, faculty members in the Department of Communication Design selected the top six pieces for printing and display – see gallery below. The final products are an inspiring collection that transcends clichés typically associated with political imagery, showcasing original ideas that resonate with a broader audience.
“What stood out most in the winning posters – and really in all the class posters – was how unique each design became,” Zenner said. “Initially, many students were influenced by common themes and clichés associated with voting and American politics. However, the strongest designs moved past these familiar elements, exploring fresh ideas and approaches.”
The class project received funds to print the selected posters from the Elon Election 2024 Planning Team and Project Pericles.
