Poster Design

Poster Design

Common poster sizes are 8.5″x11″, 11″x17″, & 22″x34″. Large format poster sizes are commonly 24″x 36″. Posters can be designed vertically or horizontally, but are usually designed vertically.

Tips for Successful Poster Design

Your Poster Should Be Legible From A Distance

The purpose of a poster is to expose viewers to information, typically centering around an event or product. Of course, posters are made for other purposes but event and product promotion are common purposes for poster design. Important information should be easy to read from a distance. This helps draw viewers in so that they read all of the finer details. The goal of poster design is to get viewers to act on the information they read. Such as purchasing the promoted product or attending the event advertised. We will be creating an event poster design in this class so we will focus on that type of poster for the remainder of this reading.

When designing your event poster think of the text as having three layers:

1. Headline: This is the largest text element in the design. Use a readable typeface that is interesting and demands attention. Decorative fonts or text effects are great ideas for event poster headlines.
2. Details: What, when, where? Make sure you provide all the necessary information. So that the audience can show up at the correct place at the correct time. Also, explain what the event is to the audience. When sizing the details text, there are two options – drop the size to about half of the main headline for very clear hierarchy or continue to use a larger size and use another technique for contrast.
3. The fine print: Commonly seen on posters, it’s everything else that someone decided needed to be on the poster. Make it small and keep it out of the way.

Use Contrast!

You have a small window of time in which to grab someone’s attention with a poster. High contrast between elements can help you do that. Go bold with color and type options. Poster design is a good opportunity to try a typeface or color palette that might be “too much” for other projects.

Think about using a color background. If possible use a colored background with a full bleed to make your poster stand out.

Try Using A Big Visual Element

Using a dominant image is a good idea. You can choose to use a photo, illustration or text. Much like the text, this visual element should be recognizable from a distance.

When designing posters, think of close-ups of faces or close ups of other elements, single item illustrations, scenes with a sharp central focus and crazy typography with high intrigue. Be careful about layering elements. Type and images need to have enough contrast so that they are independently readable. Also, try not to clutter the design.

Typography to Create Focus

Poster design is a great place use interesting and beautiful typography.

Although typography is important, still use common design sense when it comes to using typography on the poster. Try experimenting with bolder, wider, bigger and more exotic typefaces. Also use type that conveys an appropriate mood for the event.

HAVE FUN & BE CREATIVE! 

Poster Design is a great time to get as creative as possible. It is also a great opportunity to have fun as a designer and to create an eye-catching design that people will notice and enjoy. Plus, these pieces are always a great addition to a design portfolio. Show off your design style in your poster design if possible!

Examples for Inspiration