1. Let’s design a poster!
Jennifer Collins – Deputy Head of Clinical Illustration.
Mark Smith – Senior Graphic Designer, Dept of Clinical Illustration.

2. Today you will… Introduction Planning your poster
Setting your poster up
Layouts
Asset management
Demonstration

3. Before you start Don’t just copy your research document or essay
Think about how you can visually present your idea or argument
Present your ideas in a graphical format
Don’t overload with text

4. It’s easier if you plan your content and layout before you start
Mock up a design by hand with a pencil and paper
Don’t jump straight in on the computer

5. Think carefully about your audience
Who is going to be looking at and reading your poster
Other academics, students or a more general audience

6. Posters should be eye catching
Use imagery and an interesting title to draw readers in
Use attractive colours
Good visuals
Bold text

7. AO Size and quality Do some setting up before you start
841mm
Do some setting up before you start
Work at actual size
A0 = 1189mm x 841mm
A1 = 841mm x 594mm AO
1189mm
210mm A4
841mm

8. Images
Work at hi-resolution when using images, charts and other graphics

9. Think about colour Stick to a few colours that compliment each other
Look at your charts or photographs and pick colours that compliment them
Avoid distracting back ground colours and patterns

10. Get the right layout Use columns to help structure your information
Create a natural flow through the poster
Create rough sketches to get it right
Create a visual hierarchy

11. Text Titles use 48pt text and larger.
Body text use 24pt text or larger.
Avoid using funky decorative fonts
Use a sans serif font such as Arial
Keep the word countdown
Don’t use too many fonts

12. Graphics Use high resolution images and graphics
Use copyright free images. Search for creative commons material.
Use clipart sparingly…

13. Software
Powerpoint – the weapon of choice Use upto date version

14. Remember: Set the correct size of your poster in your software before you start.

15. When you have finished Create a pdf file
Send it to Clinical Illustration at
Tell us when you need it
Does it need laminating?
Do you want it on paper or material?