The Ribbon as Graphic Art

By Sarah Clark
Graphic Design School Review Columnist

The ribbon is everywhere today. You'll find pink ribbons pinned to lapels, indicating support for the fight against breast cancer. Others wear ribbons to reflect their concern for the struggle to find a cure for AIDS. Most recently the ribbon has taken to symbolize support for American troops in Iraq; you'll find untold numbers of ribbon magnets attached to cars across America.

Where did this enduring symbol come from? Phil Patton in the AIGA Journal of Design traces it back the song "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" by Tony Orlando and Dawn. One of its first manifestations as a welcoming symbol is found in John Wayne's 1949 western "Tie a Yellow Ribbon," writes Patton.

The ribbon has proved and effective and enduring medium for carrying messages. The "support our troops" slogan that's printed on magnets that look like ribbons has morphed into political messages that reflect a variety of perspectives, including "freedom isn't free," "support peace," and "end the war now." Black ribbons memorialize MIAs and POWs. Another more cynical message includes "I support Chinese magnet makers" (as it happens, most of the ribbon magnets are manufactured in China).

The ribbon as a work of graphic art, a symbol that endures and brings relevancy to a variety of messages, however opposing, speaks to the power that symbols have on collective communication.

The role of graphic artist is to find these symbols and use them to express ideas in an economical and meaningful way. The ribbon, for example, has come to represent freedom, hope, reunion, and strength. When a simple piece of graphic art can mean so many things to so many different people, it become a very powerful tool to the graphic artist, a thing that is worth considering as you slowly chip away at finding the next great symbol.

Education for Graphic Artists

You can learn more about graphic art and the power of symbols by taking classes in the graphic arts, visiting museums and examining the works of graphic artists, and indulging your own imagination by experimenting in using symbols to convey ideas.

About the Author

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer based in Virginia.