Zohran Mamdani’s logo looked nothing like a logo: The bodega-influenced visual language of an outsider campaign for mayor of New York City

Reminds me of traditional hand lettered campaign material from the 1950s/60s, I actually really like the style.

I think it's smart too, because the design language speaks to people and ideas as opposed to politics. Bypasses some of that immediately triggered skepticism of politics when people see political signage.

I work at a union print shop as a project manager and designer, specifically with political organizations and non-profits, and it's been an ongoing discussion of how to reach more people and I keep telling people the most successful campaigns seem to be the ones that speak to people not politics. I name the Obama Campaign, a small local politician in Burbank named Konstantine Anthony who was definitely an underdog but won, and now I can name Zohran Mamdani too.

Unfortunately most of my clients think that's stupid. Oh well.

I hadn’t heard of Zohran until after he beat Cuomo, so this is my first time seeing his campaign graphics. The blue and yellow work well together. Reminds me of Fallout 4’s bright colors. I hope he wins so we get to see designs for a reelection campaign.

I'm not a New Yorker so I hadn't seen his campaign stuff, but I like it. A lot of logos and branding these days feel too corporate to me, too sleek and streamlined to the point of feeling cold. His marketing feels more casual and relaxed though, even the colors make it feel warmer and more inviting. It just feels friendly, which is sorely needed in today's political landscape.

Something about it also feels nostalgic for older times. It feels like advertising material I'd see in a museum from the 50's-60's, maybe? As problematic as that era was beneath the rose-colored glasses most people view it with, there was a certain charm and coziness to that time period. At the very least, politics back then weren't the awful battlefield they are today.

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