Making Your 4-H Visuals as Good as Your Ideas! Presented by Radonna Sawatzky, FCS Educator/ 4-H Youth Development And Taler Sawatzky State 4-H Secretary and State Southwest District Representative

Marketing Your Product What is the purpose for the poster or display? What does the poster/display communicate? Is the poster/display self-explanatory – does it speak for itself? Will people Stop, Read and Remember! Effective posters and displays attract attention focus your interest on the idea sell you on taking action

Planning Your Design Check for Guidelines Determine Message Sketch a Design Determine Materials Needed Construct

Determining the Message Know your audience. What do you want them to know? What action do you want them to take? Limit message to one main idea. Remember that a poster/display can’t tell the whole story.

Design Tips Understanding - does it have a point? Simplicity - limit the visual to one or two ideas Neatness Color Readability Size

Color attract attention emphasize a point show emphasis or contrast set a mood identify something

Use Readable Colors Black on yellow Green on white Red on white Blue on white White on blue Black on white Yellow on black White on red White on green White on black

Use Open Space Margins around pictures and letters make it easier for the eye to focus.

Use Readable Letters Strictly limit the use of all upper case letters. Use a combination of UPPER and lower case letters Strictly limit the use of all upper case letters. Printing is easier to read than cursive writing.

Keep it Easy on the Eye Keep written materials to a minimum. Print words across the page, not up-and-down or diagonally. Space lettering and words so they are easy to read. Space words, sentences and lines properly.

Spacing Effects Readability WAVE W A V E

Line Spacing Too Close Clarity of Liquid Expiration Date Color of Product

Line Spacing Too Far Clarity of Liquid Expiration Date Color of Product

Good Line Spacing Clarity of Liquid Expiration Date Color of Product

Size of Visuals All lettering, drawings, clip art, charts and photographs should be large enough to be seen clearly from a distance.

Materials Poster Board, Matte Board and Foam Core Board Markers, Crayons, Paint, Paint Pens and Ink Lettering - Vinyl, Computer, Cutout and Stencils Glue, Tape, Adhesive, etc.

A Successful Visual must... Catch the eye! Be simple and clear. Impress an idea or fact upon the viewer. Stimulate the viewer to take action. Be neat and accurate.

A carefully planned and neatly prepared poster or display will be a positive reflection on you, your club and the entire 4-H program!