click
to enlarge |
Size: Our plastic box
frames accept 8.5" wide x 11"high sheets, portrait format. |
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Language: Above all
be brief and direct. Avoid passive voice. Give only essential
information. Posters aren't articles in frames. Avoid hype, outrageous
self-reviews, "ransom note design."
Rule of thumb: 25 words total. |
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Art: Keep it simple
and striking. Highlight one image or detail.
Rule of thumb: 1 to 2 images
max. |
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Design for time: Make it as brief as possible, or people will pass it after a glance. |
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Design to Attract: Invite closer scrutiny with something BIG, a "hook" to
catch attention. |
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Too verbal: We're a visual association.
This example may exceed maximum text. |
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Too visual: Too many
visual elements repel the viewer just as too many words do.
This example is "busy," and pits the text against
the images. |
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Just right: Think of
words as shapes, too. Make word/image size, placement and color
work together in the design.
Rule of thumb: view from far
away - can you read the largest word(s) and does it make you want
to come closer? |
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Prioritize: The larger, brighter, more colorful, the more important it is in
the overall message. |
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Design for the general public: Recruiting and movie posters are good models. Today's Gallery posters
are basically reproductions with the artist's name - they're designed
for Art collectors, not the general public. Keep it G-Rated. |
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Clueless? Imitate a
poster you like without violating the copyright. |
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Still unsure? Bring
your poster to open
studio for a constructive critique.
When all else fails, consult a professional. |
