Best Practices for Street Corner Signs

Effective signage increases your visibility and your impact when you’re demonstrating at street corners. These guidelines will maximize your message’s effectiveness, but remember: it's also OK to protest with words on a scrap of cardboard. Don’t let the arts and crafts overwhelm you.

Sign Size

• Standard Size: 18" × 24" or 22" × 28" are ideal for visibility from passing vehicles.
• Handheld Options: 11" × 17" for individual demonstrators standing close to pedestrian traffic.
• Large Impact: For major intersections, consider 30" × 40" signs for maximum visibility.
• Balance: Choose a size you can comfortably hold for extended periods.

Materials

• Weather-resistant: Corrugated plastic (coroplast) is durable and lightweight.
• Budget-friendly: Heavy poster board or foam core (protect from rain).
• Sustainable: Repurposed cardboard with clear coating for water resistance.
• Handle Integration: Add PVC pipe or wooden dowel handles for easier holding.
• Acrylic paint or markers:

Font & Text

• Text Size: Letters should be at least 4-6" tall for vehicle visibility.
• Minimum Standard: Text should be readable from 100 feet away
• Font Choice: Sans-serif fonts (like Arial, Helvetica) are more readable from a distance.
• Contrast: Dark text on light background or vice-versa (black on yellow is particularly visible).
• Amount of Text: Limit to 6-8 words maximum for drive-by readability.

Design Tips

• Bold Borders: Add a 1-2" border in a contrasting color to make signs pop.
• Simple Graphics: Use basic, high-contrast imagery that's recognizable at a glance.
• QR Codes: Consider adding a QR code for pedestrians to get more information.
• Color Psychology: Red, yellow, and orange draw attention but use sparingly.

Practical Considerations

• Wind Resistance: Cut U-shaped wind holes in larger signs to prevent them from acting like sails.
• Two-sided: Create identical signs on both sides or different messages for each direction.
• Waterproofing: Laminate paper signs or use clear packing tape to seal.
• Reflection: Avoid glossy finishes that might reflect sunlight and become unreadable.

Positioning

• Visibility: Stand where you're visible but not blocking traffic or sidewalks.
• Sign Height: Hold signs between waist and shoulder height for optimal viewing.
• Group Formation: Space demonstrators 5-10 feet apart for multiple sign reading.

Maintenance

• Storage: Store flat or rolled (not folded) to maintain appearance.
• Reusability: Design with interchangeable elements for multiple uses.
• Repair Kit: Bring tape and markers for on-site repairs.