Eat More Chicken Sign: History, Meanings & DIY

The Origins and Meanings of the "Eat More Chicken" Sign

The "eat more chicken" slogan and sign have become iconic parts of American culture and the poultry industry over the years. But where did this popular catchphrase come from originally? Understanding the history and context behind the "eat more chicken" sign can give us insight into its lasting impact.

How "Eat More Chicken" Came About

In the early 1990s, the National Broiler Council, a trade organization representing the U.S. chicken industry, was looking for ways to boost declining sales and consumption of chicken. After conducting extensive market research, they landed on a simple yet effective slogan: "Be Smart. Eat Chicken."

The research showed that health considerations were becoming more important for consumers. By positioning chicken as a smart, nutritious choice packed with protein, the council hoped to leverage these health trends and get more chicken on dinner tables.

The Advent of the Iconic Sign

In 1994, the National Chicken Council (formerly the National Broiler Council) debuted a now legendary printable eat more chicken sign featuring a blue rectangular border and black silhouettes of a chicken and cow. The top reads "Be Smart" in bold font alongside the chicken silhouette, while "Eat More Chicken" appears below next to the cow.

This simple, catchy design helped drive the "eat more chicken" slogan deep into the public consciousness. It highlighted chicken as the smarter, healthier alternative to beef thanks to its lower fat and cholesterol levels. The campaign was a smash success, reversing falling sales and igniting renewed growth and demand for chicken.

Variations on the Classic Sign

Over the decades, the iconic "Be Smart. Eat More Chicken." sign has spawned many variations as it continues to permeate culture:

Some signs change the silhouette animals while retaining the slogan's signature style.
Others riff on the slogan as well, turning "Eat More Chicken" into "Eat More Bacon," "Eat More Tofu," or other twists.
There are regional riffs inviting people to "Eat More Crawfish" or "Eat More Crabs."
The sign has been co-opted by vegan and vegetarian groups with their own dietary messages too.

Pop Culture Appearances

Beyond street signs and bumper stickers, "eat more chicken" has flexed its popularity through cameos in wider pop culture as well:

In 2017, the sign appeared on a Saturday Night Live skit with host Aziz Ansari.
Multiple music videos reference the slogan, like the 2005 hit "Chicken Noodle Soup."
Fashion labels have incorporated "eat more chicken" into graphic t-shirt designs.
It is frequently spotted in TV shows, social media, and more as it continues to permeate culture.

How to Make Your Own "Eat More Chicken" Sign

Thanks to its iconic lettering and simple silhouette graphics, the classic printable eat more chicken sign can easily be recreated. Making your own sign is inexpensive, fun, and lets you show off your poultry appreciation.

Picking Your Materials

Before getting started, gather your necessary art supplies:

Corrugated Plastic Sheets - The ridged surface resembles painted wood planks
Acrylic Paints - Choose white, black, red, yellow, and blue for versatility
Paint Brushes - Sizes range from small detail to wider general use brushes
Pencil - For sketching the silhouette designs

For added durability, select weatherproof sign materials rated for outdoor use. Indoor only signs can utilize more everyday art supplies like posterboard and tempera paint.

Sketching the Silhouette Shapes

Lightly sketch the basic sign layout in pencil first before painting:

Outline bold border rectangle
Draw a chicken and cow silhouette inside
Add the text including "Be Smart," "Eat More Chicken" etc.

When laying out text, use a ruler to keep lines straight and evenly spaced. For the chicken and cow shapes, find silhouette clip art online as an outline tracing guide.

Painting Your Sign

With your sketched design mapped out, start painting with acrylics on the plastic sheet surface:

Fill in the blue border rectangle
Paint black silhouettes for the chicken and cow shapes
Use white paint for the slogan text and outlines
Let dry fully before displaying or adding protective coatings

Use bold colors that pop against each other. Keep text clearly legible in crisp lines at a sizable scale. Have fun with it and don't stress small imperfections!

Where to Proudly Display Your Sign

Once your special printable eat more chicken sign creation is complete, it's time to show it off. Here are some prime display locations to highlight your chicken appreciation artwork:

Kitchen

Since the kitchen is where a lot of chicken cooking and eating happens, it is an ideal backdrop for your sign. Hang it near the oven/stove for visibility when chicken dishes are on the menu. It can serve as inspiration for trying new recipes too.

Dining Room

Place the sign in your dining room near the main meal table. That way it can encourage bigger portions of chicken entrées and leftovers. You could even designate a special "Chicken Night" for meals when the sign is given a place of honor.

Backyard BBQ Area

For outdoor spaces used to host barbecues, hang signage near the grill zone. Let it spur conversations among guests about chicken while also driving up orders of chicken kebabs, wings, and more off the flames.

Living Room

If chicken memorabilia fits your decorative tastes, give the sign home placement in common living areas. Above the mantel or next to the television work well. It brings some kitschy personality into the environment.

Get creative with where you display your homemade poster. Anywhere that chicken is consumed or celebrated is fair game!

The Legacy of "Eat More Chicken"

While originally just an advertising slogan, "eat more chicken" has mushroomed into a ubiquitous cultural meme and symbol over 30+ years. The origins of the printable eat more chicken sign trace back to a simple '90s marketing campaign.

But the pithy phrase and eye-catching design have exhibited surprising staying power and versatility. What began as a cure for slumping chicken demand evolved into a pop culture identity. It remains a testament to effective PR, the public appetite for humorous kitsch, and ultimately, the irreplaceable chicken itself.

FAQs

Why did the chicken industry create the "eat more chicken" slogan?

The "eat more chicken" slogan and campaign was developed in the early 1990s when the chicken industry faced declining sales and wanted to boost demand. Market research showed health considerations were becoming more important to consumers, so positioning chicken as smart and nutritious helped drive increased interest and purchases.

What makes the eat more chicken sign so iconic?

The signature design featuring the white and black chicken and cow silhouettes pops visually and sticks in people's memory. The pithy "Be Smart. Eat More Chicken" slogan is also catchy and humorous. This combination of simple, eye-catching imagery and witty phrasing gives the sign widespread cultural appeal and memorability.

What materials do I need to make my own eat more chicken sign?

To recreate the classic printable design, you'll need corrugated plastic sheets for the sign backdrop, acrylic paints in colors like white, black, blue and red, paint brushes in small and large sizes, a pencil for sketching, and a ruler for straight lines.

Where are some good places to display my homemade sign?

Prominent places to highlight your DIY chicken sign include your kitchen near cooking areas, the dining room table to inspire chicken dish orders, outdoor BBQ/grilling stations for some kitschy decor, or even in living rooms and mantels if the sign fits your decor tastes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.