The Middle-earth mock transit notices that are sweeping the New York metro
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For your safety... Avoid The Nazgul! by William Puck.
The first poster was: CAUTION: High Goblin Activity In These Areas!
It took a couple of days to finish. I had taken photos of some of the MTA notices and even found one or two in the trash. By having those as reference, it was easy to build a template that could be used over and over without too much fuss.
Once the poster was done, I ran to the copy store and had five or six made up. I headed to the closest subway station and started putting them up. My heart was racing. I tried to be discreet and as quick as possible. “This is crazy!” I thought. “You’re going to get caught!” I calmed down and went to the next station. It became easier and easier.
When I checked the posters later in the day, they were all gone — perhaps taken down by MTA workers or by someone who appreciated them.
Although I had just started, I knew that I had to keep making more. I also started taking pictures to document the process so that more people could get a chance to see one.
Then one day The Gothamist wrote an article. People were starting to take notice. Hopefully more and more will.
TORn: What you think of it now?
Ha! Looking back at that first poster now, I really hate it! It had so many flaws, the printing was bad, the map graphics were weak, etc.
Recently, I redesigned it. I think the new one is better.
High Goblin Activity by William Puck. Old version.
High Goblin Activity by William Puck. New version.