Ways & Means, 2026
Ways & Means is a series of typographically-driven flag designs that serve both as a reclamation of democracy and a joyful rallying cry for virtue-driven civic participation. They highlight the importance of awareness, connectivity and empathy for the world around us. Flags take the form of colorless and abstracted American flags emblazoned with colorful typographic life tenets, originally introduced to and absorbed by us through our parents, mentors and peers. Each is the same proportion as the American flag, but instead of the red, white and blue stars and stripes that have taken on new meanings as of late, these flags will function as our filters and signposts that illuminate our best leaders as well as those we must resist. This collection of tenets warms and connects us, providing a safe haven for making the critical and often difficult decisions that move us—focusing on “ways” forward and the “means” we use to get there.
Ways and Means" is joyfully supported by Good Chaos, Johalla Projects, and Taskforce.
Flag Designs
Editions
Coming Soon
Limited Edition Sets
Includes (12) double layered flags and custom box
Each flag: 24” x 45”
The Ways & Means limited edition flags will be hand-made and highly embellished versions of the exhibition and activation versions of the flags. Each flag with be hand-pleated and stitched with rainbow thread, printed and then finally embellished with appliqué and chain stitching to support its individual design. Limited edition will (50) collectors boxes including all 12, double layered flags.
$ TBD
Free(dom) Flags & Bandanas
Each flag: 15” x 25”
Free(dom) Flags are full-color, double sided flags, each designed with a set of paired tenets. Suggestions of how to fly such as pinned to your garment. Each of the (12) unique designs will be available and distributed freely for display however you see fit. Fly them or wear them however you see fit… our intent is to remind folks of the power of our shared values and seeing each other through these tenets so display, discuss and disseminate Ways & Means as wide as possible!
$N/A
At the ready and ready for anything
Do you have an event or location where a set of these can be flown? Or where a performance activation would be powerful? Reach out to us and we can try to make it happen. Our exhibition and activation flags are available in either 72” x 134” or 48” x 90” sizes.
Exhibitions & Activations
Upcoming
Cleveland’s Northside
Fourth of July Parade
July 4, 2026 at 12pm
Hamilton Avenue, Cleveland, OH
Ways & Means flag activation with flag and bandanna give-aways.
Illinois Governors Mansion
August 13—November 3, 2026
410 East Jackson Street, Springfield, IL 62701
Ways & Means will be installed across the the lawn of the Governor’s mansion in Sprinfield Illinois for the run up to the mid-term elections.
Illinois State Fair
August 13—23, 2026
Illinois State Fairgrounds
801 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield, IL 62706
First Lady’s Tent
Ways & Means flags and bandannas will be given away at the First Lady’s tent at the Illinois State Fair. Keep an eye out for a performance as well!
No Kings
Dates, times and locations to come here
In the run up to the midterm election on November 3rd, Ways & Means will be activated as well as distributed freely at various No Kings raly's and marches. Keep an eye out for specific dates and locations.
Past
Obama Presidential Center Opening Celebration
June 20-21, 2026
Obama Presidential Center
Collaborative performance with Nick Cave and Kenwood High School Drum Line to celebrate the opening of the new presidential center in Chicago.
About Bob Faust
Artist and designer Bob Faust crafts work with typography at its core and viscerality on its surface, and is the principle and creative director of Faust, a cultural branding studio, for over 30 years. He makes his work with purpose first— to inform, empower and/or instigate in the service and celebration of human difference. Text, patterns, and the ideas of surprise and discovery emerge as throughlines throughout his conceptual art practice that defies categorization and genre. In addition to his own work, Faust is also the professional and personal partner of artist Nick Cave. Together they founded the non-for-profit Facility: a multi-use creative space in Chicago that seeks to build community and change the world through art and design. Faust has been recognized nationally and internationally for his inimitable creativity through many prestigious honors including a University of Illinois, College of Fine & Applied Arts, 2022 Distinguished Legacy Award and City of Chicago, 2022 Mayor’s Medal of Honor. Exhibitions have included Mass MoCA BY The Numb3r5 (Mass MoCA), For And Nor But Or Yet So (Poetry Foundation), WA/ONDER (167 Green), with all, and still... (The
Peninsula Chicago), Rapt on the Mile (The Magnificent Mile Association), Ways and Means (Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and The Chicago Transit Authority), About Face: Stonewall, Revolt and New Queer Art (Wrightwood 659), Great Ideas of Humanity: Out of the Container (Chicago Design Museum), gu lty / nnocent (MASS MoCA); Unfolded: Made with Paper (Chicago Design Museum), Betweens (Riverside Arts Center), and CHGO DSGN (Chicago Cultural Center). He has also received recognition from The New York Times, Fast Company, the Chicago Tribune, Newcity, NBC 5 News, the Chicago Sun-Times, CBS Evening News, and T: The New York Times Style Magazine.