Paula Scher designs logo for 'Women+ on the Edge of Democracy' event

Pentagram partner Paula Scher has designed the logo for "Women+ on the Edge of Democracy," an upcoming revue of 10-minute plays and monologues about the current state of democracy, written by 36 women playwrights.

The logo's intentionally cramped and handwritten style aims to symbolize the pressure and marginalization women experience within democratic processes. Scher described the design as raw and deliberately distinct from conventional graphic design.

The plays featured in the event explore the state of democracy in the U.S. and globally, touching on themes such as immigration, education, and gun violence. The works invite the audience to reflect on the world they wish for and the actions required to create it.

Scher's previous work includes visual identities for institutions like the Public Theater and the Library of Congress. She noted that more straightforward typography failed to convey the intended message, leading her to adopt a sketch-like, hand-drawn approach that loosely resembles the map of the United States in its overall shape.