The Poster

Graphic designers creates posters using the theories previously learnt in other lectures such as Gestalt theory, data visualisation and talking to to an audience. They uses these theories alongside different types of poster styles in order to represent their data.

Types

Central Image

This type is the flagship of Japanese poster design, its so visually compelling due to the use of a single image meaning the eye can easily focus on that object. The Swiss designers Erik Nitsche and Gottlieb Soland used this type in their work making it easy to view and understand.

Erik Nitsche

Gottlieb Soland

Overwhelm the Eye

This type gives the viewer an optical experience making them go on a visual journey when viewing the poster. Some could argue making it more memorable because you have to be more active viewing it. Designers create this style through using juxtaposing image/type/colour/form/lines. The designer Bonnie Maclean used nearly all of these techniques to create a psychedelic poster that seems to move when you view it.

Bonnie Maclean

Simplify

Using simplified image and type to create a poignant and impressive poster. A good example is the Polish film posters of the 1970's. Designers such as Waldemar Swierzy and Marek Mosinski were pivotal in creating these Polish posters. Inspired by the Pop Art movement, they used images of people and abstracted them.

Waldemar Swierzy

Marek Mosinski

Cut and Paste

Many designers inspired by the Cubist and the Dadaist use collage as the main form of describing an image/message on a poster. Designer Claudia Schmauder have good examples in her portfolio. Using a series of found/created images to create an cohesive visual effect.

Claudia Schmauder

Assault the Surface

This type of poster is where the designer effects the actual surface the type and imagery is on it helps to make sure the viewer actual sees the poster. Ways designers use this technique is by creating new textures whether that it is cutting ripping or staining the actual poster. Designer Cornel Windlin does this with most of his posters distressing helping to add narrative to the poster.

Cornel Windlin

Activate the Diagonal

Using a diagonal in a poster is very interesting because it rebels against the static use of vertical and horizontal lines. So if designers want something to stand out diagonal is a way forward. To develop this further designers use axonometric projection to create a 3D effect in their designs. Such as Philippe Apeloig who uses this design to create a architectural effect.

Philippe Apeloig

Text as Image

In this style of posters typography is used as imagery. Designers use creative ways to convert type into imagery through placement, point size and typeface used. Paula Scher is a good example of converting type into image through making the word 'public' shaped into a bike conveying the message of new public bikes in San Francisco.

Paula Scher

Double the Meaning

Designers often create graphic metaphors by fusing together conflicting images. They use these to add humour to their own designs. This is shown in Paul Rand's famous IBM poster where he uses imagery to create two meanings.

Paul Rand