Invisible Children is an inspiring organization.
They have an incredible story, and if you ever have a chance to watch their documentary, I highly recommend it.
This is Invisible Children:
We are story tellers. We make documentaries about war-affected children in east Africa and tour them around the world. We use the power of media to inspire young people to help end the longest running war in Africa. Our model has proven effective, and hundreds of thousands of people have been called to action through our films and the volunteers that tour them.
Powerful, indeed!
Recently on their blog, the Invisible Children creative department (IC|reative) shared a little behind-the-scenes of their latest campaign.
The name of the campaign was “25 – Speak out by not speaking.”
In April, over 80,000 people went silent for 25-hours, speaking out against 25 years of war.
The art department was faced with the task of creating a banner that would communicate and motivate with one single image.
For the ‘25′ campaign we had to create something that communicated the urgency of the situation in DR Congo as well as the objective of the event: to be silent in recognition of the victims who have gone unheard in Africa’s longest running war.
First, they started with the number 25. After all, that was the name of the campaign:
The actual ‘25′ logo was a logotype, a specific font with a simple treatment, which means it didn’t incorporate any icons. Therefore in addition to the logo we also needed an image that would powerfully communicate the concept of the campaign, so I started working on the banner…
The design goal was to communicate silence and urgency, while making a connection between the event participants and those trapped in this 25-year conflict.
Here’s a little of what their brainstorming came-up with:
It’s wonderful to see others work through the creative process. So inspiring.
Here’s the second sketch:
And here’s the final piece:
Here’s what IC|reative graphic artist Tyler Fordham had to say:
As a designer I have always been a huge fan of juxtaposition and symmetry, so it is very important for me to find ways to make the design cohesive and fit well within itself. This worked out nicely using the soldier’s gun and the activists outstretched arm and finger to mirror each other, but at the same time create a contrast and convey the over-arching message behind the event.
IC|reative has put together some excellent pieces of media. From their graphic art to their video and film, it’s outstanding.
If you would like to learn more about the work of Invisible Children, visit their website, and if you would like to read more about Invisible Children’s IC|reative, they’ve posted a few more behind-the-scene looks at their work.
[via Invisible Children]
Stephen Bateman says
That final piece is brilliant, I love it.
The only problem with being silent for 25 hours, is the inherent difficulty of explaining your activism. 🙂
Eric Dye says
They should provide handouts when people do this, eh?
Stephen Bateman says
Lol I think they do. I almost did it, then forgot.
Eric Dye says
A day-in-the-life-of Batman.
Jonathan Dietz says
IC is a great bunch of people. The creative they produce as well as their collective voice are pretty powerful. They’ve got some pretty neat tech dealing with maps that’s coming down the pipeline too.
Eric Dye says
You are absolutely correct. Creative, indeed!