Poster:  Synopsis

By studying our past we gain insights into the motivations and actions of the modern world. We, as designers, must embrace the contributions that were made and attempt to understand the motivations behind these movements. Artists have always reacted to their immediate environment; politically and otherwise. Designers must not lose site of our environment, neither in terms of pop culture, but also political and economical motivations. It is the job of the designer to speak to the latest in trends and pop culture. To better understand our culture and motivations, we must emulate the past and hold it in comparison to our times.

With that in mind, we are going to create a period piece, venue poster. The poster will highlight an event from a given decade. The poster must adhere to the graphical style of the period with meet the following criteria in mind:

- Typography     

- Colours

- Supporting imagery

- Paper and paper condition

- Wording

- Venue

- Musicians/artists et cetera

- Style and Tone

Process: step one (Due May 11)

You will be given a decade research form. You must research the decades in question: 20’s, 50’s, 60’s and 90’s. Research these decades on the Internet, library and any other sources that you can think of (like asking your grandmother). Try and discover some of the more predominant motivations behind the styles and designs of the times. Look at the artists, music, literature, design, political, and religious trends. From this research you are to choose a decade of interest to you. The decade research form will be provided.

Process: step two (Due May 18)

To further the research of these given decades you will be need to focus specifically on the typography of the times. You will be given a workshop page: go to the library and research the type styles of the 4 given decades. On the workshop page provided, write out a predominant colloquialism of the times (a colloquialism is a catch phrase or street lingo: i.e. Peace man for the 1960’s, The Cat’s Meow for the 1920’s et cetera. Research the 4 decades, come up with a colloquialism of the times, and render it onto your worksheet in the type style of the times.

Process: step three (Due May 25)

Choose the decade that ‘speaks’ to you. Research and choose a venue and the participants that will be displayed on your poster. This can be: Musicians, theatre, art opening et cetera. Keep it true to the times. Choose a ‘big act’ for the times.

Study the layout of these venue posters. Look at what supporting graphics you will/may include.

Keep in mind here that we need to focus on the typographical qualities of the times. You may use any number (or no) supporting graphics, but the typography must predominate.

You will hand in a mock up rough draft of the poster. This mock up will include all the wording, colour choices, paper treatments et cetera. Basically, you will need to give an overview of the project supported by rough drawings. Be prepared to show these graphics and to present your concept to the class.

Create your own design here. Create your own lineup, or event.

You will be shown many examples of period posters in class.

Process: step four (Due June 1)

Draw your poster.

Size: 11”x17” with a .5” border on all sides

Use any medium that will work for this assignment. Feel free to treat the paper in such a way as to emphasize the authenticity of the piece: staple marks, stained, rough edges et cetera. Research paper types. Look at rag papers from an art store. Don’t settle for regular bond paper.

Mount your poster onto 15”x20” board with a tissue overlay. Tape an envelope to the back and include all roughs/research et cetera.

Marks:

Marks are divided like this:

Decade research: 5%

Mock up: 5%

Final: 90%