dominant horizontals and verticals of all of the above shapes relate well to architecture, but any shape that will hang is possible. Experiment with: (a) panels hanging side by side, (b) twisted or draped shapes, (c) layered shapes, or (d) inverted triangles.
the THIRD decision the MESSAGE
In addition to being a decorative hanging, a banner speaks.
The very nature of fabric hanging loosely, moving with every breath of air, free to flow, to sway, to flap, speaks of freedom, of motion, of aliveness.
what can a BANNER say and do?
| produce | a mood, an atmosphere of welcome, joy, solemnity, peace, quiet, excitement, celebration, thoughtfulness, devotion, inspiration |
| proclaim | hope, victory, praise, good news, a message, a slogan, a motto, a challenge, a prayer, glories of the past, action in the present, visions for the future |
| affirm | the faith, an ideal, the truth |
| identify | an event, a group, a season, an organization |
how does a banner SPEAK?
through:
words
See pages 8–18.
a combination of LETTERS
symbols
See pages 19–32.
SIGNS
FIGURES (people shapes)
a STORY/EVENT
color
See pages 33–36.
design
See page 41.
TWO KINDS
the MESSAGE through WORDS
In this age of literacy, the most universally understood symbols are words. Words may be the only symbols on a banner. Often a thought that must be proclaimed through words speaks more emphatically without additional symbols.
Designing with letter forms alone can be as challenging a problem as arranging other kinds of shapes or symbols. The resulting banner can be rich, colorful, and decorative.
Study the letters on the following pages to help you create an attractive hanging.
Often a banner expressing an idea through shapes and symbols will be made more meaningful through the addition of a word or phrase as a key to its interpretation.
Examples: JOY, PEACE, PAX, LOVE, REJOICE, ALLELUIA, SHALOM, AMEN
Banners for saints, seasons, historical characters, or groups may be identified with a name.
Examples:
For banners with a religious theme, the Scriptures, hymns, psalms, liturgies, and canticles are sources of meaningful words. The phrases are countless, the translations many.
Examples:
