Elections, in many ways, are like one big creative project. There’s branding, messaging, typography choices, color palettes, and—believe it or not—a lot of design thinking involved. And just like in design, the smallest visual elements can shape how people perceive a message or candidate. The more I think about it, elections are almost like launching a massive public-facing campaign, except instead of a product, it’s people’s ideas and promises on the ballot.
Campaign Posters: Political Art or Public Eyesore?
Every time I pass by a campaign poster, whether it’s for a university initiative or a larger-scale campaign, I can’t help but analyze it mentally. (“Did they really think Comic Sans was a good idea?”) All these different parties are vying for attention with their slogans, logos, and fonts. Some posters exude professionalism, while others… well, let’s just say they give off “Microsoft Paint vibes.”

There’s something nostalgic about election posters, though. They’re like a public design showcase, each one trying to express values in a single glance. Good campaigns know that typography and color matter. The wrong color? You look too aggressive. Too much text? No one reads it. But when done right, a poster can build trust in seconds—just like a well-designed logo.

Color Theory at the Polls
Designers know how much colors influence emotions. Red says urgency and passion (hello, Liberal Party), blue feels calm and trustworthy (the Conservatives know what they’re doing there), and green evokes sustainability (thanks, Greens, for being on-brand!). What fascinates me is how these colors reflect values that voters subconsciously respond to.
This is why it’s interesting to think about visual biases. Just like in graphic design, people are drawn to what’s familiar. Sometimes, it’s not even the message that sticks—it’s the mood the design creates. Sound familiar? It’s like trying to sell a client on a rebrand that feels just a little too far out of their comfort zone. Change is hard, and elections are no different!
Political Logos: Identity in a Symbol
Now let’s talk about logos. Designing a logo for a political party has to be one of the hardest briefs ever. The symbol needs to reflect the party’s values, history, and future ambitions—all in one simple mark. The challenge? It can’t look too trendy, or it’ll age badly. But it also can’t be too boring, or people won’t engage. Basically, it’s like threading a needle with a moving thread.

Take a close look at the logos you’ll see on election day. Many feature circles (unity, inclusion), arrows (progress), or Canadian motifs like leaves and waves. These symbols aren’t just decorations—they’re crafted to trigger emotions and convey ideas about identity. And we designers know that even the tiniest detail in a logo can make or break its effectiveness.
Voting as a Creative Act
Here’s where things get a little philosophical. Voting, in a way, is like creating a design. It’s about intention. You take different elements—policies, promises, personalities—and assemble them into a bigger picture. Just like laying out a magazine spread, every choice matters. Whether you vote by mail or show up at the polls, you’re participating in shaping a collective story.
And just like with any creative process, voting isn’t perfect. Sometimes it’s messy, sometimes the options feel uninspiring. But that’s where the magic lies—your choices, however small, contribute to something bigger than yourself.

Election Day: A Deadline We Can’t Miss
If elections were a graphic design project, we’d be in the final stretch—the part where the printer’s waiting and you’re still making last-minute tweaks. (Fellow designers, you know exactly what I mean.) The stakes feel high, and the deadline is looming.
So, here’s my gentle nudge: Go vote. Think of it as handing in your contribution to a larger design brief—because every voice, every mark on the ballot, shapes the outcome.

And hey, who knows? Maybe next time I’ll design a poster for a campaign that really speaks to us creatives. Or better yet, I’ll vote for someone who promises more public art installations (and better fonts on those posters).
Until then, let’s keep designing—and voting—with intention.