A Dove for Peace + The Symbolism of Flags: Designers for Peace Poster Entries

In an act of support for the people of Ukraine, we at Graphis created our Designers for Peace : United With Ukraine poster competition where international designers can submit posters with 100% of proceeds benefiting humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine.

“Peace” (above, left) was created by Derwyn Goodall of Goodall Integrated Design, who wanted to create a compelling poster that embodies the importance of peace and solidarity with Ukraine. With his poster concept, Goodall focuses on the key message and the universally acknowledged symbol of peace, the dove. Incorporating Ukraine’s national colors, Goodall portrays a blue dove against a yellow backdrop, carrying a white olive branch in its beak. In this clean and minimalist composition, Goodall’s message is clear: “PEACE — it builds, strengthens, and restores. I stand with Ukraine.”

“Russia Out” (above, right) is a self-initiated project made by Richard Smith, designer and founding director of the cross-media design consultancy Jannuzzi Smith in London and Lugano. After discovering the United With Ukraine competition, the consultancy decided to produce something entirely visual and non-linguistic, yet powerfully symbolic. According to Smith, flags are powerful in their symbolism of statehood, “historically used for armies to rally around, but also for those with peaceful objectives to congregate and demonstrate.” With this in mind, Richard and his team created a flag that interposes the Russian flag between the blue and yellow Ukraine flag. To demonstrate solidarity with the Ukraine cause, a black “X” was placed over the top of the Russian flag to indicate that Russia has no right to invade Ukraine.

Eric Petersen is an award-winning illustrator based in Santa Monica, California, known for his clean line work and vibrant color palettes. For his entry “Ukraine is Not a Game” (above, left), Peterson wanted to show Vladimir Putin’s cruelty and absurdity with how he’s handling the unprovoked war with Ukraine as “the classic shell game associated with con artists.” In a gripping illustration, skulls are substituted for shells and are positioned under Putin’s hands to represent that the growing human cost of the war is due to his actions.

Designer and professor Clinton Carlson created the poster “Peace for Ukraine” (above, right) to highlight the humanitarian support of three organizations that have long histories of working and supporting vulnerable populations in Eastern Europe: World Vision, Mercy Corps, and the Mennonite Central Committee. Each organization is top-rated for its transparency and responsible use of funds to support local community organizations and maintain long-term relationships with those in Ukraine. 

In his design, Carlson juxtaposes the imagery of the Ukrainian flag and a dove against a background of bombs, guns, tanks, and other weapons to represent the hope that the courage of the Ukrainian people overcomes the violence to restore peace in the region. At the bottom of the poster, QR codes provide easy links to the three organizations for those who want to contribute to the cause. The posters have been utilized to promote support and help others who might feel overwhelmed by discerning how to best support the people of Ukraine.

Submit your artwork by June 21. Visit graphis.com to learn more.