Objectives Realize why people love posters Learn the purpose of posters Understand the context Appreciate a poster designed as social commentary

Definition A poster is a two-dimensional, single-page format used to inform (display information, data, schedules, or offerings), and to persuade (promote people, causes, places, events, products, companies, services, groups, or organizations)

The Purpose of a Poster The purpose of any poster is to communicate a message.  In order to communicate a message, first, a poster first must grab a viewer’s attention. Poster Enclosed in a Bob Dylan Record Album: Dylan, 1967 © Milton Glaser

History Broadsides preceded posters.  Used to communicate ephemeral information -- make announcements, publicize news and events -- as well as to promote merchandise By 1900, colorful posters won over viewers and artists, alike.  Ever since, the public has embraced posters as both visual communication and art objects worthy of display in their homes and offices. Jane Avril: Poster Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Context Posters must be designed with context in mind. (Understanding the context for any graphic design is crucial.) A poster competes for attention with surrounding posters, outdoor boards, neon signs, and any other visual material. Most posters are meant to be hung in public places and seen from a distance. Mission Mall: Posters © Muller Bressler Brown, Kansas City, MO

Conceptual Development A sound design concept is the basis for the design of a poster. Several issues must be addressed simultaneously in a poster.  What will make the average theatergoer, moviegoer, or concertgoer buy a ticket?  What makes this poster’s attraction, cause, or brand different from the other choices out there?  What are you promoting?  Why should someone be interested in this social cause? Political view?  How can you craft the message so the target audience believes what you’re conveying?

Design Development Like all other graphic design, the success of a poster depends on expressing the design concept through a cooperative combination of type and image, interesting visualization, and considered composition. Explore techniques to see which ones might work best for your concepts.  Printmaking techniques: monotype, woodcut, linocut, etching, dry point, intaglio, mezzotint, among others  Screen Printing (serigraphy)  Letterpress  Woodblock  Mixed media and experimental media: Experiment by combining different visual art media  For example, combine paint with collage or combine photography with drawings

Composition Basics Primary goals of poster design:  Grab attention  Set it apart  Communicate key messages  Single surface; one unit © Oxide Design Co., Omaha, NE: Poster Series Drew Davies, Joe Sparano, Adam Torpin

Social Commentary As a mass communication vehicle, the poster can be used to voice dissent, to incite, to propagandize, or to inform. Whether worrisome propaganda or in the service of the public good, a poster can potentially influence many. “Again?”: Poster © Dan Reisinger

Social Commentary In the tradition of giving voice to ideas that matter, contemporary designers create posters for a myriad of causes, voicing dissent or hope, protesting or urging. Peace – Godzilla and King Kong (Commemoration of the 40 th Anniversary of Hiroshima: Poster © Chermayeff & Geismar Inc., New York

Summary A poster is a two-dimensional, single-surface format used to inform and to persuade or promote. Many designers and visual artists have embraced the poster as a graphic communication vehicle. The public has also embraced the poster as art and as a symbolic expression of individuality. The purpose of any poster is to communicate a message. To do that, a poster must first grab a viewer’s attention. Before posters became a visual communication staple, broadsides were used to communicate ephemeral information—to make announcements and publicize news and events, as well as to promote merchandise.

Summary Most posters are meant to be hung in public places and to be seen from a distance. The success of a poster depends on expressing the design concept through a cooperative combination of type and image, interesting visualization, and considered composition. Several issues must be addressed simultaneously in a poster. Explore techniques to see which ones might work best for your concepts. Primary goals of poster design: (1) Grab attention, (2) Set it apart, (3) Communicate key messages, (4) Single surface; one unit Contemporary designers create posters for a myriad of causes, voicing dissent or hope, protesting or urging.