VE Day slogans, fonts and war signs became our rally cry

This long weekend is Victory of Europe (VE) Day. It is a time for us to come together, virtually and/or while remaining 2 meters apart, staying at home, and recognising the struggles and triumphs of our war heroes. #stayathome #VEDay

So I thought I’d take a moment to look at war time slogans and signs. I’ll show you how these signs made an impact on our psyche, back then and now. Also, I’ll share with you some insight on how your charity can use these lessons of the past and adapt them to your charity branding and messaging for your events.

Keep Calm and Carry On

In 1939, the war against Germany was constantly on the nation’s minds so the Ministry of War designed war time posters to boost morale and create a unified front. They wanted to change the nation’s perceptions and attitudes towards the war.

The posters needed strong yet simple colours. The words needed to be straightforward but nothing too controversial. The purpose was to unite the nation, not ignite separation and spark debate. The font type needed to be easy to read.

As a result, some of the posters created stated, ‘Keep Calm and Carry On,’ ‘Freedom is in Peril,’ and ‘Britons, Your Country Needs You.’ These slogans were printed against a strong red background and featured an image of King George VI’s crown on the posters themselves.

By using these specific design elements, it united the county and increased soldier support.

Adapt VE Day messaging, lessons, and branding

“This is your hour…” Winston Churchill

Your charity can encourage people to stay home, commemorate VE Day, raise money for your non-profit, and give thanks to veterans by using these war time moments and messaging in your own slogans.

If your charity was established during VE Day then take your old charity images and use them as part of your overall design for your social media posts this weekend. If you are a charity that serves and supports war veterans, incorporate photographs of them into your branding messaging and images.

Invent ways to intelligently construct images that reflect VE Day and the messaging of unity while raising awareness to today’s struggles and plights people face during the coronavirus. If done correctly, your charity can have a powerful impact on the nation.

As always, design to tell your story.



Becks Neale is a Dorset Designer & Brand Consultant, working alongside charities, community initiatives and purpose-led organisations to achieve a brand they love and live, by distilling their brand story.

Design to tell your story.
becksneale.co.uk

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