Creating a graphic design poster can be effective in
relaying a specific message to a desired audience. It's a tried-and-true format
that's been used consistently for over a century.
To get your message across, you must pay attention to all
the elements at your disposal. With the help of these six tips, your graphic
design poster will be more fluid, unified and persuasive. Mockup
1.Poster typography
The typography of a poster refers to the type of font and
style utilized. One of the most overlooked but key defining aspects of a poster
is the font usage. Whether a font is curly and wavy or rigid and strict can
help to relay your message in a way that is not glaringly noticeable.
While it may be tempting to pick multiple creative fonts to
relay your message, it's also vital to consider how it relays your
message. Ideally, you want to choose two or three fonts total in your design.
Fonts used for titles should be a display typeface (either creative or sans
serif fonts), while fonts used for text should be serif fonts because they are
easily readable by the viewer. These fonts should be different enough to be
easily distinguishable from one another, but also able to create a unified design
when used in the correct way.
For more formal and serious events, a combination of serif
and sans serif fonts can be used to create visual diversity and not be too
casual. Poster Mockup
2. Balanced poster
design
Creating balance within your poster is essential to creating
a unified, cohesive look. When design elements are not in balance, the viewer
may feel uncomfortable looking at your design. In general, there are two
different ways to create balance: symmetric and asymmetric.
Symmetric layout
In a symmetrically balanced layout, similar design elements
are aligned in an equal way on either side of the vertical axis. Often, this
results in a mirror-image effect. This layout is perfect for a formal or static
look. This could include posters dedicated to formal events, art gallery
viewings, and informative gatherings.
Asymmetric Layout
In an asymmetric layout, balance is achieved with an unequal
arrangement of elements. Often, with the asymmetric layout, there could be a
large object on one side balanced by a small object on the opposite side.
In general, these designs are more difficult and complex
because the visual weight of each element and its arrangement need to be
carefully considered. Asymmetric designs appear more casual than symmetric
layouts and create excellent posters for rock concerts, museums and personal
services.
3. Color in poster
design
No matter who your audience is, color is a language that is
universally appreciated and can communicate a variety of things. It doesn't
matter whether you're using color to demonstrate a specific meaning or just to
create a unifying background. Color can have several different meanings and
implications based on the specific culture that you are in.
The following list under the color wheel defines
common associations between colors and their psychological implications in
Western culture:
Black: Elegant,
mysterious, ominous, sober, sophisticated
Blue: Calming,
honesty, cool, reliable, sad
Brown: Earthy,
organic, rich, flavorful
Green: Natural,
growth, financial wealth
Orange: Hot,
active, tangy, childlike, gregarious
Purple: Regal,
majestic, creative, futuristic
Red: Stimulating,
exciting, dangerous, aggressive, sexy
White: Pure,
innocent, clean
Yellow: Sunlight,
citrus, imaginative, cheerful, cowardly
4. Contrast in poster
design
One of the most important elements of design is contrast.
Contrast occurs when you place two elements in opposing ways. This helps draw
the eye and create a focal point within your design. There are many creative
ways to integrate contrast within your design.
The elements you can use to create contrast include shapes,
colors, lines, size and negative space. In the image below, you can see how the
juxtaposition of distinct colors makes certain elements stand out.
5. Poster design
hierarchy
In addition to contrast, incorporating hierarchy in your
design also creates a focal point. Visual hierarchy is the arrangement or
presentation of elements in a way that implies importance. Thus, it provides a
direction for your eyes to move (from most important to least important).
Here are some ways to include hierarchy in your design:
·
Alignment
·
Color & contrast
·
Leading lines
·
Negative space
·
Perspective
·
Proximity
·
Repetition
·
Rule of odds
·
Rule of thirds
·
Size & scale
·
Spacing
·
Typographic hierarchy
Hierarchy is effective as a design principle because the
human brain has an innate organizing tendency to place individual
elements, shapes or forms into a coherent whole. When an element disconnects
from the perceived whole, it stands out to the viewer. The elements that stand
out the most are disconnected more severely.
6. Shapes in poster
design
Shapes help create a path for the eye to follow as it scans
the poster. Shapes can also give emphasis to the most important information in
the poster. You can put a large rectangle behind the title or use the triangle
of a mountain to point the eye upwards toward the headline.
Shapes can also alter the mood of a design. Softer
shapes with curves, circles and organic lines can create a more fluid and
relaxed mood. Triangles, squares and other geometric shapes with strong, sharp
edges can create an entirely different mood.
Grids & proximity
One essential part in creating a cohesive design is placing
a grid. Grids are tools for organizing space, text, images and
other elements placed in a design. They add structure and provide graphic
designers with three tools to be successful: order, efficiency and consistency.
Order
Using a grid helps viewers to more easily find information.
Grids are a natural extension of this simple order and organization. They help
your audience predict where elements and information will be, making it all
easier to find and navigate.
Efficiency
If you're not using a grid, it can be hard to ensure that
all items in your poster are aligned and exactly where you want them to be.
Using a grid helps to eliminate this pain. The wide variety of vertical and
horizontal grids give designers room for endless creativity.
Consistency
Grids provide the user with a successful path to structural
harmony in the design. Grids also offer a guide to the proper placement of information
and visual hierarchy.
Creativity partnered with these guidelines can lead to
amazing ideas that will power your next project. For easy tools, helpful tips
and creative ideas, take a look at Lucidpress's poster templates.
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