For several weeks now, posters of the presidential candidates have been plastered all over the streets. It seems almost old-school, and yet it still makes quite an impression. Whether it’s posters or digital campaigns, the media are coming up with new ways to take over public spaces. Here are a few examples—some more recent than others—that might give you some ideas.
Get his community involved
Feminist groups have reclaimed the public sphere since #MeToo. When Simone Veil was inducted into the Panthéon in 2018, the Instagram account “Merci Simone” began posting. Posters featuring minimalist portraits began popping up on walls all over the place. And it’s a participatory effort, since anyone can download the images and post them on walls around their city to raise awareness and encourage participation. It’s a great way to bring people together around shared figures or ideas.
Playing with Advertising Conventions
You may have seen Brut’s video formats in the subway. The media outlet has partnered with Clear Channel to develop the Hyperstories format on animated billboards. In Rennes, it features local news. In other cities, such as Bordeaux, the content consists of short videos featuring Brut Nature, for example. The idea is to extend the “Stories” experience beyond social media.
Focus on Creativity
If you can’t afford a poster campaign like Brut’s, be creative like Usbek and Rica! Even if you can’t grab people’s attention on the street, it’ll spark a reaction on social media. Even before the election candidates had started thinking about their posters, Le Grand Soulagement was making politics less stuffy with outlandish messages: the crazier it is, the more attention it gets!
