When
it comes to graphic design, perhaps the most exciting type of project to
undertake is the poster. Unlike other larger, more complex mediums, the poster
is generally a simple attempt to attract attention and communicate basic
information about an event or a product. Sometimes staring at a pure, blank art
board is an exhilarating feeling. Other times, it can be a frustrating task
deciding how to start. Whether you are a designer looking for inspiration or a
novice needing a few tips, this post brings you the tips you need to make your
next poster your best poster.
1. How
to Get Attention
Your
first task is to decide on captivating photography or an interesting main
element that will make people stop and take notice. Some posters use shocking
imagery to get a point across like this one, designed for the .As you can
see, the subject matter certainly makes an immediate impact. Other posters will
use plenty of white space and an interesting question, or some creative word
art to make you stop and think. This first step is the cornerstone of your
project and it’s very important to choose carefully.
2. Simple
is Nice
Your
poster should say what it means through pictures and colours rather than
through words and written details. Keep text to a minimum and make full use of
your website, if you have one, to inform people of further details. If you bog
down your poster with text, your poster will not look as interesting to people
passing by.
3. Fonts
are Fantastic
If
your fonts are a little unusual or unique, this will add to the depth of your
design. Try to avoid common fonts that might be used on a standard document or
for an everyday purpose. On the other hand, don’t use fonts that are crazy to
the point of being hard to read. Many times it’s a good idea to use a
sans-serif font in a headline. It’s important to limit the number of fonts you
use on your poster. The more fonts, the more potential for confusion.
4. Move
the Eye and the Information will Follow
It’s
important to design a poster with information consumption in mind. Always try
to start with the most important information in the largest font and work your
way down in the order of importance. Display this information in such a way
that the eye follows this information down the page as if you were writing a
short story. Use cues in your main design element to point at important
information or provide direction.
5. Colour
Correctly
Try
to use a colour scheme that is fundamentally correct. Respect the basic rules
orcolour theory.
You can even start designing your poster based on a pre-determined colour
pallete. Match or compliment the colours used in your primary imagery to add
consistency to the piece. Colour Lovers is
a great place for ideas and sample palletes.
6. It’s
a Balancing Act
Basic
design and layout skills dictate that good design displays good balance. Try to
ensure your poster follows this ideal. To tell if your layout is balanced,
divide your page in half and compare the number of elements on either side of
the page to each other. Try this diagonally as well. Adjust your design
accordingly.
7. Break
All the Rules
Sometimes
good design means breaking out of the formula to produce something unique. If
this is your plan, it’s important to know what rules to break so you can break
them like a pro. Hopefully these tips will help you design something that is
both different and good.
