Part 1 of my capstone project regarding a propaganda campaign to unite Americans.

1. PROPAGANDAElise Clark Capstone 1 Final Presentation

2. Can propaganda be an
effective tool for good?
Topic Introduction
The main topic I choose for my senior capstone project this year is related to
propaganda, specifically if it can be used as an effective tool for good and to
unite people. Propaganda generally has had a negative connotation through
much of history, more so now then ever, but I don’t think it is inherently bad. It
is often seen as a way to manipulate people, but it depends on the intent of the
creator. I do see it as a tool for persuasion, mainly because it tends to make
information more understandable and palatable, and if used to spread a good
message, it has the potential to be very effective.

3. How is propaganda viewed?
Research Summary
Something I learned from research is that what is considered propaganda has
become less clear over time, especially since World War I and II. In the survey
I created, when I included advertisements and some political pieces, many of
those surveyed did not believe they should be considered propaganda.
Another thing I learned from my research which is all too clear these days, is
how people’s beliefs are often split down political party lines, even on topics
that should not be considered political. It is very hard to change someone’s
mind if they view the topic through their affiliation or beliefs.

4. Mission Statement
Prototyping
Our mission is to remind people that we are all human. We are not just our
beliefs or political preferences. We all have our own worries, problems, loves,
and struggles we deal with everyday. Each person has a different view of what
is best, and we are all just trying to get by. We all live together in this country,
and we all want this country to be great. If we can’t agree with each other, we
need to at least learn to respect each other and not actively try to hurt or harm
one another. We are all humans, we are all Americans.
E pluribus unum; out of many, one.

5. Mood board
Prototyping
Pop meets swiss style, with an American vibe.

6. Colors and font
Out of many, One
Prototyping
For colors, I wanted shades of
red and blue, but vibrant and
close in value so they look like
they vibrate.
I wanted to create some rough
letters from scratch, so there
was a handmade feel.
I’m using Helvetica otherwise
because it doesn’t stand out.

7. Concepts
Prototyping
The first concept uses a gradient
to fade the stars near the bottom
to leave space for type.
The second uses rectangles that
are similar to stripes on a flag.
Last concept is more on a grid,
quite swiss style.

8. Concepts
Prototyping
The digital version of my con-
cepts are still works in progress,
as there are parts I don’t like.
I may also change the messag-
ing used in the future, if it is not
received well by people I ask.

9. Are posters feasible?
While I did do some research into paper and printer costs, as well as how to
best go about hanging posters (regarding legal issues and surviving Oregon’s
weather), after some thought I’m going to look into creating a virtual space to
contain the campaign. Aside from issues mentioned above, it makes sense
during this time when people are encouraged to stay home.
I am still looking into pieces like stickers and other items people might like.
Prototyping

10. Virtual campaign
Prototyping
As I mentioned, I’ve been look-
ing into creating a virtual space,
but I have not gotten there yet.
I’m not sure how to find existing
spaces I can add stuff, nor have
I had a chance to find an actual
place to take pictures of to build
a space from. I’m also still trying
to find the best program to do
this. Enjoy this mock-up in the
meantime!

11. Takeaways and next steps
I have had a very difficult time coming up with a theme to a nearly impossible problem;
trying to unite Americans. At some point during research I saw the original motto of the
USA, “E Pluribus Unum”. I really liked this, both for the meaning, “out of many, one”,
but it also has that old founding father’s vibe that some conservatives love. In the fu-
ture I might need to switch prominence between the Latin and translation depending
on feedback.
My next steps are finalizing my concept, which pieces I plan to make and creating a
virtual space.
Conclusion