Stage I
We wanted to create a VisoVerbo in memory of the heroes of Tiananmen Square, whose lives were brutally cut short or changed forever on 04 June 1989. The quote by John Holt brought to mind the most arresting image of that time: the lone protestor who stopped an entire line of tanks simply by standing in front of them. He looks as though he were simply out shopping along the (ironically named) Avenue of Peace, when he saw the tanks move in and, in an instant, made a decision about "what to do."

We found many images of the standoff and considered using the one above, but the man's posture is uncertain as he talks to the tank driver (whose upper body is barely discernable at the top of the tank).

Stage II
We selected this photo instead, which captures the longest period of the standoff, where the protestor stood erect and unthreateningly before the tanks. When the tanks tried to wheel around him, he would hop over and resume his place directly in front of the line. More tanks joined the line, as we see in the background. Also in the background is an abandoned bus, which is detracting attention from the confrontation. Through the magic of Photoshop, we removed the bus (yes, folks, this is how news photos are doctored).

Final
Our final design is simple and to the point. The typeface is solid and traditional. It does not get in the way of the meaning of the quote. The heavy black border adds to the sensation of oppression and mourning associated with this day. The gold color of the type is taken from the man's shopping bag and adds a feeling of confidence to the quote.

What happened after this photo was taken? Long negotiations between the man and the soldiers, with the man asking them repeatedly to leave because they "had caused only misery here." As the soldiers became increasingly confused and frustrated, four bystanders rushed into the street and pulled the man to the side of the road. His ultimate fate? The government still maintains he is alive and some believe he is in hiding in the Chinese countryside. Amnesty International and others say he was executed four days after his heroic stand.

As the eighteenth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre approaches, we honor all who have worked, struggled, and died in the cause of liberty.