Dehumanizing an enemy and striking primal fear into the hearts and minds of war-torn societies and malleable citizens has been the job of graphic designers and other visually astute practitioners. We call it war propaganda, but these overt messages are more than propagating a faith. They are manipulating behavior for generations to follow.
These startling examples come from the Daily Mail in the U.K., from a story on how the Ministry of Information produced thousands of paper missiles to maintain morale, influence opinion and destroy any sympathy for their enemies. These images are now available in Persuading the People by David Welch, a professor of modern history and director of the Centre for the Study of Propaganda, War & Society at the University of Kent.
A Competition For All Things Type & Handlettering
All too often, typography gets overlooked in larger design competitions—which is why we developed one that gives the artforms their full due and recognizes the best designers in each category. Whether you design your own typefaces, design type-centric pieces or create gorgeous handlettered projects, we want to see your work—and share it with our readers.
Enter today for a chance to be featured in Print magazine, receive a prize pack from MyDesignShop.com, and more.
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About Steven HellerSteven Heller is the co-chair of the SVA MFA Designer /Designer as Author + Entrepreneur program, writes frequently for Wired and Design Observer. He is also the author of over 170 books on design and visual culture. He received the 1999 AIGA Medal and is the 2011 recipient of the Smithsonian National Design Award.View all posts by Steven Heller →