Whether a poster is a promotion for an art exhibit, a musical group, or the voice of dissent, it is common to see one tacked on a wall or framed, hanging in homes and offices alongside paintings, photographs, and fine art prints. no other graphic design format has been so successful in capturing the attention and hearts of museum curators, art critics, social historians, and the public. Some people have extensive poster collections that contain either a variety of posters or a series.
Author: Iku Okada
“Human Rights, Human Wrongs” is a poster that allows you to chose and interpret a social issue of interest to you. You will voice your opinion in your chosen topic by creating a visual, conceptual statement using the juxtaposition of type and image.
The poster is directed at the general public and it’s aim is to create awareness for the issue and invite the viewer to question or consider his or her point if view on the topic. To achieve this, use the medium to your advantage. The poster is a medium whose intent is to grab the attention and draw the viewer in. It can be a powerful medium when designed and executed successfully.
Example Topic: Child labor abuse in apparel industry, especially in brands so-called “fast-fashion”.
A T-Shirt used as a frame to display social injustice.
Powerful imagery juxtaposed with high fashion.
Guerrilla Marketing. Taking the message to the streets.
A graphic design solution can be a catalyst for change. If you had a chance to raise your voice in protest through a poster, what would you protest? War? Child abuse? Pollution? What would you promote? Freedom? Clean water? To whom would you appeal? Select one cause that you deem important.
Due Date:3/6/2017 (Beginning of Class)
Step 1
a. Select a social or political cause. Gather information about it.
b. Find related visuals to use as references.
c. Define the purpose and function of the poster, the audience, and the information to be communicated.
d. Generate a few design concepts. Concentrate your conceptual thinking on finding a way to prompt people to think about the cause. Select and refine one concept.
Step 2
a. Determine whether the poster should be visually driven or type driven.
b. Your poster should be able to grab the attention of people walking by.
c. The poster should include the social cause’s web address and phone number so that people can take action.
d. Determine at least three different ways your concept could be visualized.
e. Produce at least twenty sketches.
Step 3
a. Produce at least two roughs before going to the comp.
b. Be sure to establish visual hierarchy.
c. The poster can be in either a vertical or a horizontal format.
Due Date: 3/8/2017 (EOD)
Step 4
a. Refine the roughs. Create one comp.
b. The size, shape, and proportion should be dictated by your strategy, design concept, and where the poster will be seen (environment).
Due Date: 3/27/2017
Be Prepared to present your work.
Comments: Nicholas D’Angelo
With the head and torso drawn, I then illustrated the arm(s) and lower portion of the figure. I also added this adorning, flowing fabric to help imply the Buddha’s divinity and presence as a cosmic entity.
The sketch of the main body is now done.
The line work made in Illustrator is printed out so I can draw on half of the first set of arms. I’m not sure yet what specific art tools I want to include in the hands, so I only draw the handles. Things can always be edited – added in or taken out.
](http://s3.gomedia.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Picture_8.jpg)
](http://s3.gomedia.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Picture_9.jpg)
The last set of arms is finished off with the art tools drawn into the hands.
](http://s3.gomedia.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Picture_10.jpg)
Jordan Wong is an artist and graphic designer, originally from Pittsburgh, now residing in Cleveland. He works for Go Media, primarily for the company’s Arsenal, Mockup Everything and Weapons of Mass Creation Fest. He produces illustrative work and is inspired by heroic imagery and epic narratives, yet also loves quirkiness and humor.