How to Create a Poster Sign

Use graphic elements with your main message for effective communication.

Whether you want to announce a car wash fundraiser for your school or promote the latest business product, a poster sign can help you advertise your message. You can create a poster sign with cardboard poster board and markers, or you can hire a printer to develop a professionally designed poster. Regardless of how it's executed, creating the right message and layout is imperative to making your poster communicate effectively.

Instructions

1. Compose the sign copy on a sheet of paper. Even if you are creating the poster yourself, you never want to create copy while designing the poster. Use traditional journalism questions--who, what, when, where, why and how-- to act as your writing guide if you need to brainstorm. Create a succinct, to the point message that immediately attracts the reader. In a single statement, you want to supply readers with enough information to understand the message and act on it.

2. Make your main message the focal point of the poster sign. For example, if you want the reader to know that your school is hosting a car wash fundraiser on June 10, highlight that phrase in the message.

3. Lay out your design. Create a rough layout on a sheet of paper. Start the layout by determining the position of the main message and then build the copy layout around that strong phrase.

   Include graphic elements such as starbursts or shaded boxes to hold vital bits of information. If you are producing a professionally designed poster, have a general idea on which style of type is best suited for your poster. Also think about the types of graphic elements you want to include. Produce and position full color photos or other images on the rough poster layout to flesh out your design.

4. Design your poster. Use the rough layout sheet as your guide for the final design. If you are working with a designer, furnish your rough layout as a guide, along with your graphic ideas and any images you want to use.

   If you are designing the poster yourself, use bright colored markers and glitter to make the poster stand out. Use heavy-duty cardboard poster board to reduce the chance the poster will get ripped. Use pencil to rough out the layout on the poster board before using markers.

Tips & Warnings

• Always include a call to action on your poster. Phone numbers or email address are examples of a call to action.

• Avoid using ornate or scripts on your poster. You want a style of type that is easy to read at a glance.

• Have someone proof-read your message to spot grammatical errors or mistakes. One wrong number in your phone number could derail your efforts.

References

• How to Make a Great Poster
• Creating Effective Posters