Pointers about Posters
1. PLAN IT OUT! Before you jump right into your final version of the poster make a rough draft. Make a list of the information you want on the poster and create one or more mock layouts to see how all of your information will fit best. You don’t want a lot of space on one side and squished information on the other!
2. Gaining Attention: Every poster attempts to gain and hold attention. They may do this in several ways:
· The poster may use a BOLD font for headlines or amusing graphics.
· Bright colors and graphics will help grab your views eye.
· Posters may use dramatic situations, slogans, play on words, rhymes, or popular sayings.
· The element of surprise helps to gain and keep attention. This may include unexpected, bizarre, or exaggerated illustrations or pictures taken from unusual perspectives or dramatic angles.
3. Simplicity: The best posters are simple and easy to read. Too many colors, fonts, or pictures, will detract from your posters message.
4. Unity: Everything in a poster should work toward its purpose.
· One or more elements in the layout may touch or overlap others.
· A border or a colorful background may surround the poster.
5. Balance: No part of a poster should overpower another. Balance can appear in two ways: Formal Balance and Informal Balance.
· Formal balance- everything is centered and the layout of the poster is a mirror image.
· Informal balance-the visual weight is equal but the poster is not symmetrical.
6. Good Workmanship: This is referring to the overall quality of the poster, including lettering, coloring, pictures, and message. Take your time and put care into your work. Quality workmanship results in outstanding posters!
2. Gaining Attention: Every poster attempts to gain and hold attention. They may do this in several ways:
· The poster may use a BOLD font for headlines or amusing graphics.
· Bright colors and graphics will help grab your views eye.
· Posters may use dramatic situations, slogans, play on words, rhymes, or popular sayings.
· The element of surprise helps to gain and keep attention. This may include unexpected, bizarre, or exaggerated illustrations or pictures taken from unusual perspectives or dramatic angles.
3. Simplicity: The best posters are simple and easy to read. Too many colors, fonts, or pictures, will detract from your posters message.
4. Unity: Everything in a poster should work toward its purpose.
· One or more elements in the layout may touch or overlap others.
· A border or a colorful background may surround the poster.
5. Balance: No part of a poster should overpower another. Balance can appear in two ways: Formal Balance and Informal Balance.
· Formal balance- everything is centered and the layout of the poster is a mirror image.
· Informal balance-the visual weight is equal but the poster is not symmetrical.
6. Good Workmanship: This is referring to the overall quality of the poster, including lettering, coloring, pictures, and message. Take your time and put care into your work. Quality workmanship results in outstanding posters!
