Mama used to always tell us that, no matter how horrific the event, there is always a silver lining — and she was right. In the days following the beyond disappointing presidential election results, our favorite creatives are feeling inspired. They're making damn good art with an even better message to combat Trump's bad vibes.
Here are the artists harnessing their creative gifts to contribute to causes fighting for social justice:
1. Molly Soda
In the days following the presidential election, self-described “webcam princess” Molly Soda announced that 100% of the sales from any of her zines will be donated to the Immigrant Welcome Center in Indianapolis along with the following message:
“I was born in Puerto Rico but moved to Indiana when I was pretty young - because Puerto Ricans are US citizens we don't have to deal w/ immigration related struggles like our other Latinx family here - I also was fortunate to grow up in a part of Indiana that was quite chill/liberal cause as we know most of Indiana isn't! Want to send some love to a place doing good things in my home state.”
2. Shy Girls
Singer-songwriter Dan Vidmar, known by his stage stage name Shy Girls, also took to social media to express his feelings on the outcome of the election:
"I feel angry, sad, and anxious, but also introspective...Here’s the one thing I do know: the United States that I am proud to be a part of is NOT a country of bigotry, division, racism, sexism, or disdain/ The United States that I am proud of is a country of opportunity, understanding, respect, and of finding harmony amidst our differences
....
Simply donating money is in no way “enough. But it is one thing I am capable of doing right now that I feel can make a small difference. Let us stand strong and together and teach our children well.”
With the upcoming release of Shy Girls’ debut album, Salt, Vidmar—along with his label—decided that for one week, any of the proceeds donate the proceeds from vinyl pre-orders to The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
3. The Outrage
Feminist clothing brand The Outrage, offers a range of super cute products that promote girl power. What’s especially rad about The Outrage is that they donate at least 15% of the profits from every purchase to a women’s empowerment organization and they ensure that every vendor they partner with supports ethical production practices. In light of recent political events, 100% of the profits from the brands' Pantsuit Nation and Nasty Women Unite collections are being donated to Planned Parenthood.
Leah Goren’s designs have been featured by some of our fave brands including Anthropologie, Nest, Revlon, and more. Her site is full of tees, pins, prints, books, totes, and more that feature her unique and colorful illustrations. All of Leah’s prints are so gorgeous, that it might be difficult to decide which one you want to hang on your wall, but if you want an easy decision-maker, Leah’s donating 100% of the proceeds from the Pink Ladies Print and the Underwear Dancing Print to Planned Parenthood.
Even though pins—and tees, stickers, patches, posters, and totes—won’t save the world, the money spent on them can contribute to some greater good. The people over at Pins Won’t Save The World aim understand this and have designed a range of cool and cheeky merchandise that aims—not to make a profit, but—to raise money for charities supporting progressive causes including: Planned Parenthood, ACLU, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the International Refugee Assistance Project, and others. The info on the company's website offers the following statement:
