Design - Blog Post 4

Poster Design

This week in Graphic Design, our assigned reading and project was on posters. Here is a quick recap of what I learned.

When it comes to visual communication, posters are a powerful medium. Whether you are promoting an event, supporting a social cause, or advertising a product, a well-designed poster needs to grab attention and communicate effectively.

Purpose of a Poster

A poster is a two-dimensional format, created to either inform or persuade.

For a poster to succeed, it must do the following:

• Grab Attention: This is the first step. The viewer must notice the poster.
• Communicate a Message: Whether it is about an event, a cause, or a brand, the message should be clear and concise.
• Call to Action: Posters aim to motivate the audience to act, whether to attend a show, donate, or buy a product.

History of Posters

The origin of posters can be traced back to broadsides, large single sheets of paper that carried public announcements. However, with advancements in color lithography in the 1800s, artists like Jules Cheret brought posters into the modern age by introducing vibrant, nuanced colors. By the late 19th century, posters were widely popular and evolved into an art form with exhibitions and collectors.

Conceptual Development

Developing a strong design concept is crucial to creating a successful poster.

It is important to consider:

• Purpose: What is the poster trying to achieve?
• Target Audience: Who are you speaking to, and how can you capture their attention?
• Appeal: What makes this poster stand out from the rest?

Key questions to ask include:

• How will my idea provoke action?
• Why should people care about the message?
• What response am I aiming for?

Design Development

Once the concept is clear, it's time to focus on the design. A great poster harmonizes type, image, and composition.

When visualizing the design, explore different artistic techniques such as:

• Printmaking: Techniques like woodcuts, screen printing, and letterpress can give posters a unique, tactile quality.
• Collage and Photomontage: Combining various images or textures can add depth and creativity.
• Mixed Media: Blend different types of art forms, such as photography and painting, to create something distinctive.

Poster Basics

There are four essential guidelines to consider when designing a poster:

• Grab Attention: The poster must have a visual hook that catches the eye.
• Set it Apart: Use unique visualizations, techniques, or juxtapositions to stand out.
• Communicate Key Messages: Establish a clear visual hierarchy. Guide the viewer’s eyes from one element to the next, creating a flow of information.
• Single Surface, One Unit: Ensure all elements of the poster work together as a cohesive unit. Since posters are typically seen from a distance, readability and clarity are key.

Composition

Composition is vital in poster design, creating balance and flow on the canvas.

Some composition techniques to consider:

• Image and Type Relationship: Decide whether the image or the type takes precedence.
• Entry Point: Create an obvious entry point into the graphic space to guide the viewer’s journey through the content.
• Modular Grid: For image-heavy posters, using a grid layout ensures consistency and allows for contrast through scale.

Poster Series

Posters are sometimes designed as part of a series. This can create a barricade effect when multiple posters are displayed together.

When designing a series:

• Correspondence: Ensure the posters appear related while still giving each one its own identity.
• Templates: Designers often use templates to maintain consistent placement of graphic elements while allowing for enough variation to keep the posters distinctive.

Social Commentary

Posters have historically been used to drive social change. Whether promoting a political cause or raising awareness for a public issue, posters can serve as mass communication tools to voice opinions and influence public perception.

A great poster does more than just convey information. It must resonate with the viewer, evoke an emotional response, and provoke action. By blending concept development, design techniques, and thoughtful composition, you can create posters that have a lasting impact.

Whether designed for print or digital, the power of a poster lies in its ability to capture attention and communicate quickly.

Until next time,

Phil