 ..Creating
Flyers.........
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..Creating
Flyers.........
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| Actions Rallies Issues Features
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FLYERS, the Mainstay of Political Action Flyers, brochures, and other handouts are still the mainstay of political action. After all, there probably would have been no American Revolution without Tom Paine. Flyers have several advantages over TV, radio, and even newspapers. For one thing, they are an excellent method of getting your activists out "in the streets", meeting and talking to people. For another, flyers are still relatively cheap, can be mass produced and distributed quickly, and...since we still have the First Amendment in operation, you can't be censored, without legal recourse. ( long as you exercise your 1st Amendment rights in a peaceful manner, not blocking traffic, and on public property (or on private property with permission). (See ACTIONS page for First Amendment info.) |
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| DESIGN | CONTENT | LAYOUT | GRAPHICS | DISTRIBUTION |
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Flyers can be divided into two
broad categories:
*Throwaway handouts, suitable for mass distribution at parades,
street fairs, outside factory gates
*Keepers, suitable for mailing or handing to selected prospects
Flyers may also have two broad purposes:
*Education
*Call to action
Both of which may, of course, be included in one flyer.
Educational flyers might include education on broad issues, such as gun rights; specific issues, such as current legislation about gun rights. Call to Action flyers might include a plea to contact your senator about such and such a bill; a call to come to a rally in the park; or a call to fire your gun at a certain day & time. Educational flyers can either be throwaway handouts or keepers; Call to Actions are almost always throwaway handouts.
When designing your flyer, keep in mind what you want to accomplish. Is your goal purely educational? Purely Action oriented? A little of both?
Rule One:KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid):
Use BIG letters (at least 10 pt, preferably 12+ pt.) and Dark print for
body of type. Use simple, declarative sentences. Use common, everyday language.
Rule Two:Make it Readable: Leave plenty of "white space" around
and between blocks of type. Break up blocks of type, with graphics, lines,
or "white space". Use graphics, but sparingly. Use graphics to
draw the readers' eye to what you want them to read, not detract from it.
Rule Three:Grab reader's attention..ONE Attention Grabbing Headline LARGE
dark LETTERS.
Size/throwaway: A good size for a throwaway is 8 1/2x11, both sides,
cut in half, or even 1/3rds.
Size/keeper: Standard 8 1/2x11, both sides, folded in half (or thirds to
fit envelopes)
Word Processing: There are numerous excellent Publishing Programs,
my personal favorite is the old MS Publisher, because it's really user
friendly & simple to use.
Printing: After you've printed your camera ready copy, take it to your
local printer to be printed & cut (if needed). Allow PLENTY of time
for this, more than you think you need. The efficiency & competence
of print shops is dwindling rapidly:(HINT: If "brochure" may
be used in different areas or "other" address might be used,
leave rear bottom 2" space clear for address-stamp use.)
Color of paper: Standard white or off-white/beige and lt.gray best choice
if using small print or photos/cuts. For non-use of photo/cuts,
lt.yellow, lt.blue or lt.green (not pink or "fluorescent"). When
handing out different flyers at an event, make sure they're on different
color paper.
Rule One: Truth: Be able to back up everything you put in your flyer. Be ABSOLUTELY accurate. Don't exaggerate.
Rule Two: Interesting & informative: Try for a light, easy to read
style. Don't be afraid to use humor or cartoons.
Rule Three: Participation: Give the reader something to do! This can be as simple as to call/write you for more information.
Use dark and clear cut graphics without shaded backgrounds with thin
frame, if any, with placement usually best (small) in front and larger
cuts in center interior.(Hint: Use small cuts to break long blocks of type.)
For Libertarian oriented graphics, check out Libertarian
Graphics, and Activist
Tool Box
Despite the advent of "chain stores", flyers can still
be distributed in numerous ways. You can leave small stacks in remaining
"mom & pop" convenience stores, bars, restaurants, etc (always
ask permission). You can hand them out at parades, street fairs, sporting
events, outside factory gates, (some) parking lots, etc. Check our Tips
Page on Actions
for more details.
Thanks to Activist Tom
King for these tips!
Do you have some tips to share? Contact
Mary Lou Seymour
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