How Graphic Design is Secretly Shaping Your Political Views

Today’s article is a little different—and longer—than my usual ones. I promise to make it worth your while.

I hoard images. I’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember—posters, photos, GIFs, logos, quotes, you name it.

Lately, I’ve been diving into my poster folder, amazed at how graphic design has evolved. Tools like Canva, Adobe Express, and Midjourney have democratized design far beyond what Photoshop and traditional Adobe tools could. The trade-off? The work often prioritizes form over function.

The examples I picked highlight the powerful impact of graphic design when it serves a clear purpose. The pieces below are fearless and focused. They don’t shy away from strong messages, sparking critical conversations, and making them relevant and timeless. They remind me that this is the work I want to do more of.

Buckle up.

Abolitionist Movements: Visuals That Changed Minds

In the 19th century, graphic design was pivotal in the abolitionist movement against slavery. The Slave Ship Chart, with its brutal depiction of overcrowded ships, went “viral” in its day, and became one of the main images to make people realize the human cost of slavery.

Revolutionary Posters: Art as a Rallying Cry

During the Russian Revolution, designers like El Lissitzky and Alexander Rodchenko used bold typography and geometric shapes to push socialist ideals. Their Constructivist designs turned complex political messages into striking visuals, rallying support for Lenin’s Bolsheviks—a far-left faction of the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labour Party.

Similarly, the Suffragette Movement in the West used powerful visuals to fight for women's voting rights, turning intricate political issues into images that inspired and mobilized the public.

War and Propaganda: The Art of Persuasion

Both World Wars saw graphic design become a propaganda powerhouse. Bold typography, patriotic colors, and powerful imagery conveyed messages of unity, sacrifice, and national pride. Artists like J. Howard Miller in the U.S. created iconic posters encouraging citizens to support the war effort.

In Germany, the Nazi propaganda machine wielded striking visuals to shape public opinion. Its aim was to instill fear, glorify the Aryan ideal and military strength, and dehumanize enemies, effectively rallying the masses.

Civil Rights Movement: Design for Equality

In the 1960s, the American Civil Rights Movement used graphic design to organize protests and create powerful visual statements. Posters, buttons, and flyers became tools to demand equality.

The “I AM A MAN” posters from the Memphis Sanitation Strike show how good design can simplify complex issues.

Anti-Apartheid Movement: Global Solidarity Through Art

The Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa effectively utilized graphic design to combat the oppressive regime, similarly to how global social justice movements leverage design today to raise awareness and foster solidarity.

Women Protest in Iran: Visual Mobilization

In Iran, the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code, sparked widespread protests. In response, women began cutting their hair as an act of defiance against the regime. This gesture quickly rallied international support for women’s rights in Iran.

Hippie Movement and the Vietnam War: Peace Through Psychedelia

The 1960s hippie movement, intertwined with anti-Vietnam War protests, brought vibrant and experimental graphic design. Wes Wilson, a key figure in this movement, revolutionized poster design with his psychedelic style. One of his most famous works, the "Are We Next?" poster, featured a swastika within an American flag, protesting the Vietnam War.

Digital Age: Democratizing Graphic Design

The Arab Spring movement used simple graphics to coordinate protests and circumvent state media, showing the real-time power of visuals in activism.

Iconic Visuals and Modern Movements: Symbols of Resistance

The Hong Kong protests—coined the Umbrella Revolution—have generated iconic visuals that resonate globally. Initially used to shield protesters from police tear gas and pepper spray, the umbrella and the yellow hard hat quickly became powerful emblems of passive resistance.

Amid the Israel-Palestine conflict, graphic design serves as a vital medium for cultural expression and political resistance. The watermelon has become a powerful symbol of Palestinian solidarity on social media. Its colors—red, green, black, and white—mirror the Palestinian flag, allowing activists to express support online while avoiding censorship.

MAGA and Donald Trump

The MAGA movement, led by Donald Trump, used bold visuals like red “Make America Great Again” hats and patriotic imagery to rally supporters. In contrast, “White Dudes for Harris” emerged to support Kamala Harris, using humor and distinctive visuals to promote diversity and progressive values. These contrasting strategies highlighted deep political and cultural divides, showcasing graphic design’s powerful role in shaping political discourse and identity.

The Wrap-Up

You’re a rockstar! You made it to the end—thank you for sticking with me! 🎉 

I hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am. Putting this article together has reminded me how much I want my work to tell stories, ignite change, and make a real impact.

I’m more committed than ever to focusing on authenticity and purpose in my projects. Cheers to creating work that truly makes a difference! 🥂

Catch you on the next Note.

Mo. ✌️ ❤️