Photo by Melissa Melvin Rodriguez
Hair and Makeup by Ashley Hardy

This Frida Kahlo inspired photo was created as part of a press package for my personal music project (Miss Eaves.) This look was created using a minimal budget ($8.00 total) by pooling the talent of my friends and getting creative using materials I already had on hand.

The pattern was freehand drawn onto a large piece of newsprint.

The flowers were made from DIY Tissue paper (a piece of newsprint painted on both sides.)

Often times when designing for non-profits we are working under the constraints of minimal budgets, which more times than not, effects printing! Luckily with a little creativity, we can make beautiful designs using only one or two colors. Below are some great examples for your next one or two color design project.

Hungarian University of Fine Arts – Botond Vörös

A Hundred Monkeys Business Cards – FPO: For Print Only

Jerome Noetinger Poster – Bend (Athens, Greece)

The College of Saint Rose Alumni Newsletter – Lee Dixon

American College of Sports Medicine – Chris Massey

Psychographics Branding – Hong Sang Chan

The CV of João Andrade

JA22 Poster – Otto Climan

L’Autre St-Jean Poster – Frederic Dupuis

(Photo by Henrik Haven)

Often when approaching designing for a new non profit client, we automatically leap to traditional modes of marketing (websites, brochure and print advertising.) However, having a strong cause behind your messaging is a perfect opportunity to try some non-traditional modes of marketing such as street art. As a non profit you may have more leverage to ask city governments if you can use their property to display a temporary message for the betterment of your community. So why not give it a go? Below are some examples of how street art has been used to advocate for social causes, educate and create stronger communities.

Street art is far more accessible (lets say than your average billboard) which makes it a great medium for increasing social interaction. The above image depicts a wheat paste sign that facilitates people connecting with each other around New York City. If your organization is one that focuses on human interaction, street art could be a great medium for your message.

Using street art also creates an opportunity to connect dots with your audience by using familiar elements that already exist in the environment. In the above photo, Banksy marries his art with a string of British flags to create an impactful message about child labor.

British street artist Slinkachu (above photo) teamed up with organization War Child to create these installations, illustrating that children are often the most affected in times of conflict. Using mobile installations like these are a great option when you can not gain ccess to a wall for your messaging.

So what I am saying is…next time you are thinking of ways to expand your audience for your organization think outside of the box and onto a wall!