This project came about because I want more visible reminders in our day-to-day that the majority of people in our country are not racist, sexist, homophobic and misogynistic. There is power when people speak out and it helps to encourage others to do the same. I've definitely had moments when I don't want to listen to the news reports, but I feel like we can't be apathetic when people's lives are at stake every day. I want to see the energy from the Global Women's March continue, because there is strength when we come together to lift each other up. Women get shit done, especially mothers, they don't have any time to waste.
RESISTER is a simple idea, that was inspired by my childhood friend Kate, who on my birthday last month, wished me a 'happy birthday to my fellow resister'. I wondered, is there a feminine version of this and then it struck me—sister resister, RESISTER—of course! My initial idea was to just do stickers, but I got enough positive feedback and encouragement to do t-shirts as well.
Once I came up with the idea I did some research and found that my simple idea was not unique (of course), there are other versions of this out there, but I wanted to do my own. I've always been inspired by the artists Jenny Holzer and Barbara Kruger, and their bold, simple treatment of typography. I started with a clean, sans serif typeface, but found it didn't have enough personality to it so I continued looking and asked for suggestions from my DesignDish group for typefaces designed by women. When I found Ernestine, which was designed by a contemporary woman designer, Nina Stossinger, I knew it was the one.
My goal was to create a design that is accessible to all people, including people of color and non-cisgendered people. I hope that it feels inclusive.
I worked with Girlie Press, a woman-owned print shop in Seattle and they were kind enough to give me a discount on the printing costs since I will be donating the net proceeds to Planned Parenthood.
Gallery images: Jenny Holzer, Barbara Kruger, Lorraine Schneider, Sister Corita Kent.