Poster's Purpose and Role

The Poster

The Character and function of the Poster

Posters are seen everywhere. They serve the purpose of social, economic, political and cultural events and inter-relations as well as mirrors of intellectual and practical activities. The important function of a poster is communication. They bring out a clear message, that can affect a person psychologically. It could persuade to do something or buy a product, give information, or a poster could just be appealing. 

The Laws of Poster Designing

There are no exacts ways or laws to create a successful poster. But, there are ways that can help make your poster successful. With these general rules below, you can follow them if you want, and can choose not to or emphasize some of these basic rules.

General Demands

• legible and a clear, understandable message
• arise interest and is innovative
• maximum effect, concentrated, with a minimum of graphic means
• large shapes
• provide impulses and easy recognition
• remain in the memory of the viewer

Lettering

The lettering helps complete the pictorial information.

• connected, proportional (as well in size and colour)
• colour of the lettering can be used again in the picture
• impart info quickly
• legible at a distance
• info is concise, simple and identical with the pictorial part
• modern and appeal to the viewer
• oblique lettering -> dynamic effect

Shapes

Using shapes included into your can poster should be expressed clearly.

They must/should:

• large and effective at a distance
• signal-value can be increased by using a clear shape
• intensify the impression with a forceful presentation
• correlate -> compact effect
• arrange accordingly
• full of interest and can be read easily
• lapidary shape of a picture -> effective
• horizontal and vertical elements -> static form
• optical emphasis above the centre
• form of a picture should appear transparent
• stylized, standardized and freed of all superfluous details
• overlapping can help unify a picture, deepen the effect of transparent forms

Colour

Colours in a poster help emphasize the object of social, economic, political, and cultural campaigns.

Colour can be:

• used as the colour of the object
• mediator of a definite atmosphere
• a form of expression or communication
• impression of rhythm
• clarify situations
• simplify proceedings and accelerate processes
• connecting element

Overall

The three key points that really stuck out to me were having my poster have a clear and legible message, eye catching, and have all my elements connect and go well together. I think these are important because the main purpose of a poster is to convey it's message clearly and appealingly. It would also have to be physically pleasing so that the viewer will remember it and show that my poster did what its suppose to do. Lastly, everything has to go well together. The design and everything is what makes the poster grab people's attention. My favorite thing that I read on this article was how they include some examples and how or what kind of effect it will give off. This could help me have an idea on what could grab people's attention and how to get in their head. Overall, I learned on what makes a good poster and it should effect, and now you know too.