If you're going to use a quote to back up your point-of-view, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, if the words are ginormous on a page with a name attached to them, the use of quote marks within a layout aren't 100% necessary (see "consider the context" below) — given the context, a reader would assume it's a quote.
Contextually, in the world of graphic design, we have a number of tools available to us (typeface, scale, color, placement, etc.) that folks using a typewriter did not have. So, many of the "rules" that were created in the era of typing and word-processing could be seen through a different lens when you consider the spirit of what they're trying to do: differentiate, highlight, or separate. We follow the same ideology when it comes to citing sources: we simply want to know where you got the information, not that the semi-colon is in the right place. Just be consistent and follow the spirit.
Otherwise, the content within the quotes is even more important. It's very easy to head to Google and type in: Quote about ___ and get back a good number of random results. This can be dangerous. You need to now what you're copying-and-pasting. Here are a few tips:
• Make sure to verify that the quote is accurate. Many quotes are misattributed (not actually said by X).
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way."
– Thomas Payne
Philosopher/Writer/Political Activist
This particular quote — one of thousands — is misattributed.
• Give the full name of the person being quoted. Unless it's a famous person with only one name (Madonna), it's best to use first and last names.
"Clean up your room!"
– Mom
• Provide their relevant role. What makes them a person worthy of commenting on said thing? Are they an authority?
"The thing about investment funds is that they're only as good as the people managing them."
– Jack Mullins
Local deadbeat and layabout
• Know the source. Does that person's values match with your goal? Are they worthy of quoting? Are there conflicts?
"Smoking isn't shown to harm anyone."
– Werner Barth
Senior Vice President, Marketing + Sales
Philip Morris International
(Mr. Barth didn't actually say this, but you get the point: someone who makes a living selling cigarettes is probably not a good person to quote about health and smoking.)
• Consider the context. Make sure that the specific quote isn't taken from something larger/longer that might prove contradictory. For instance, if I'm going to look for a quote to support my point-of-view on the "Occupy Wall Street" movement and that everyday people are just looking for a decent quality of life (and that's a good thing that should be supported), I might look for a quote to support that point of view.
"Ask yourself whether the dream of heaven and greatness should be waiting for us in our graves — or whether it should be ours here and now and on this earth."
– Ayn Rand
Novelist/Philosopher
... ask yourself if Rand would support the movement herself. Do her other writings point in a direction that would support your views? (Quick answer: no...)
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