Poster design tips

From Canadian Centre for Ethnomusicology
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Here are some poster templates

Even if you don't use a template do check to be sure that you have the bases covered. I'm including some of the "pointers" I mentioned in class below.

Pointers:

  • Title: an accurate title is key. Make sure you reference the main objective and nature of your project somehow. You can use a poetic title but add a subtitle for that detail.
  • Aesthetics: does the design (color, arrangement, fonts) bring the viewer closer and help maintain engagement? Some whimsical images and graphics may be helpful.
  • 14 points of the worksheet should be present but some are more important than others. Be sure to highlight your objectives and methods, as well as background on the problem and musical resources, and the proposed musical solution. Consider the various fieldwork methods (interview, survey, observation, etc.) Highlight PAR and how it will be applied.
  • Design: how well are you using available poster space? What is the proportion of text, image, graphics, charts? How are the boxes defined? How easily can the messages be absorbed? Eye flow?
  • Readability: fonts should be large enough (20 pt probably min) and clear enough to make it legible from a few feet away because a number of people may be viewing simultaneously.
  • Text: check grammar, spelling, consistency, writing quality. Don't use too many words! Spare is best.
  • Images: aim to use superb photos, relevant to the project, eye-catching, high res. Do you have permission to use them? Are you inadvertently reinforcing any stereotypes? If you have a great photo it's worth making it big. On the other hand be sure that it's high enough resolution not to appear pixelated.
  • Graphics: ensure that meaning is clear. Use vector graphics so it can scale without pixelation.
  • Charts: include title, axis labels, easy to read.
  • Narrative flow: can the viewer find a flow through the 2D chart? (parametrized)
  • Links: use short links (or even scannable QR codes) to link to other content, e.g. AV media or an associated website. You may want to create your own accompanying website to house all such links - then insert a QR code into the poster that references that site. In this way you can avoid having to print those long URLs...
  • Logos: use to indicate organizational connections, but without implying endorsement.
  • Basics: Title, your name, date, course, contact info.

Notes:

  1. Simple is always good
  2. Highlight important information
  3. Use fonts and font sizes that are easy to read from a distance (recommended: 85 for title, 36 for section headings, 24 for body, 18 for captions)
  4. Align boxes
  5. Use colors that attract but don't distract
  6. Let it breath! Don't overcrowd or clutter; leave whitespace and open margins
  7. Section headers should stand out
  8. Think about different audiences: those who skim, those who read