A written poster or notice printed on fairly large paper, displayed on bulletin boards or walls to communicate with the general public. A Frenchman by the name of Toulouse Lautrec is credited as the father of poster design. There are two main types of posters. They are word or text poster and pictorial poster. A written or text poster contains only text, while a pictorial poster contains mainly illustrations with little or no text.

The poster as a communication tool plays a vibrant role in the activities of members of society. Some of them are:

1. Posters are used to inform members of the general public about social issues, such as health issues, political issues, and also civic responsibilities of members of society.

2. The posters educate us or warn us against social vices and other negative tendencies such as smoking, alcohol, etc. that can erode society and its members from peaceful and good coexistence.

3. Posters advertise products and services in society.

4. Posters are used to advertise events, ceremonies and programs to be held or organized in the society.

5. Posters are used to invite members of the general public to organized events and occasions.

6. Posters are used to persuade people to do something or take a certain course of action.

7. Posters are used to praise or popularize some good behavior patterns or people who demonstrated those attitudes and to criticize or condemn bad actions.

There are several characteristics of effective posters in performing their duties. These qualities make a designed poster a powerful educational tool.

1. The colors used for the execution of the posters must be striking and attractive to be seen from afar and must attract the attention of passers-by.

2. The typography selected for the design of the posters must be legible. It should be a bold and clear typeface so that it can be seen and read from a distance.

3. A good poster should carry a brief message or information. The information in it should not be too much nor should it be ambiguous and confusing.

4. The design used for the production of posters must be simple in design. Design should not distract. Your description should be easily digested by all categories of people, despite the difference in their age groups, gender, occupation and educational background.

5. Good illustrations should be used for the production of posters. The illustration must relate to the text or message written on the poster. It must harmonize with the message on the poster.

6. The information written on the poster must be clear and self-explanatory. It must be very understandable. It should be written in simple and direct language.

7. A good poster must have an effective design. The layout of the text and illustrations should be pleasing and attractive to the eyes of the viewers.

design a poster

The following outlined steps explain how graphic artists can design good posters.

1. The first stage of poster design is making thumbnail sketches. This is the writing down of ideas in the mind. This includes indicating space for photographs, text, etc.

2. This is the next stage of poster design: sketching. One of the sketches is selected and enlarged with the carefully drawn text and illustrations.

3. The third stage is the complete sketches. This is the making of an accurate design showing type and illustration that is suitable as a finished design.

4. The last stage is the camera ready stage. The design is painted in their respective color schemes and is ready as a presentable design.