Pete Favat: Getting Graphic When Shit Hits the Fan

You can't have missed the tributes and memorial ceremonies earlier this week in honour of 9/11.

While the devastation from that fateful day is hard to forget, equally as memorable is the speed at which creativity flourished following the news. 16 years ago, American graphic designer Milton Glaser - the creator of the iconic I ❤️ NY logo - adapted his original design and repurposed it by adding 'more than ever' (above). This small action united the people of America, offering them hope and something to cling onto in tumultuous and uncertain times.

Deutsch's CCO Pete Favat explores the relationship between creativity and tension, believing that many an iconic image has emerged following social or political unrest. He takes us through 10 iconic images that have emerged throughout history - from the Roman empire through to modern day civilisation.

Senatus Populus que Romanus (SPQR)

753-509 BC; Ancient Rome

Before the Roman Republic, times were savage. The Roman Standard was created to rally a sense of pride, power and organized culture during a time of barbaric tribalism.

The symbol; an eagle and an olive branch and the initials SPQR - Senātus Populusque Rōmānus, which translates to The Roman Senate and People - was created to bring order and civilization.

Rosie the Riveter

1940s; J. Howard Miller

During WWII, the Nazi and Japanese war machines were ravaging the world. America needed to halt their aggression and the women were needed to fill a role.

While men were away fighting in the war, Rosie the Riveter galvanized women and inspired them to enter the workforce, creating tanks, bombs, missiles, and other weaponry to support the war effort.

The Peace Sign

1960s; Gerald Holtom

There was an overall distrust of the government in the 60s (largely due to the situation in Vietnam) and public fear of nuclear weapons was prevalent.

This symbol was created to galvanize a movement of peace-seekers.

Iconic Black Power Fists

1960s; Tommie Smith & John Carlos

In the 1960s, most blacks faced harsh discrimination and prejudice.

When Tommie Smith and John Carlos won the 1968 Olympic gold and bronze medals, they stood on the podium and conducted a political demonstration that became iconic in the fight for fair treatment of blacks in America.

The powerful (and unifying) symbol of black fists came out of a dark period in U.S. history.

Barack Obama Hope Poster

2008; Shepard Fairey

In the early 2000s, there’d been false alarms about weapons of mass destruction.

Americans had been attacked on their home soil. The U.S. was at war.

Because of the distrust of right-wing politics post-September 11, it was clear that people needed a change.

Shepard Fairey captured many Americans’ desire for change (and hope for progress) in the 2008 Election with this iconic artwork.

Peace for Paris Symbol

Nov 2015; Jean Jullien

After a tragic attack Paris' Bataclan venue, people felt unsafe and fearful of the terrorism that plagued their city.

This icon quickly became a global symbol of support and empathy after the tragedy.

Parisian graphic designer Jean Jullien created this symbol and the world responded in solidarity, using the image to say “We are with you, France,” overcoming the barrier of language.

Je Suis Charlie

Jan 2015; Joachim Roncin

Freedom of the press was threatened for writers, cartoonists and artists alike after 12 people were killed over what’s considered a response to political cartoons published at the French satirical weekly newspaper, Charlie Hebdo.

“Je Suis Charlie” - which translates to “I am Charlie” - was created to support the freedom of artists.

Hurricane Sandy image of NYC

2012; Knoll

At any moment, any one of us could be the victim of a natural disaster.

Through iconic art, the global community showed support and compassion for the victims of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Rainbow Flag

1970s; Gilbert Baker

In the 70s, the gay community was outcast and demoralized by people who didn’t understand them.

Gay activist and politician Harvey Milk wanted to create an alternative sym

bol to the pink triangle to rally the LGBT community. His friend, Gilbert Baker, laid together eight strips of vibrant color to represent LGBT pride and unity: hot pink for sexuality, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for nature, turquoise blue for art, indigo for harmony and violet for spirit.

Fearless Girl: Wall Street

2017; McCann NY

The lack of female representation in corporate c-suites has fueled a fire for many women over the last decade.

In 2017, this Fearless Girl statue was placed strategically across from the Wall Street Charging Bull to push against gender bias in the board room.