A poster is a visual communication tool designed to convey a message, promote an event, advertise a product or service, or raise awareness about a cause. It is typically displayed in public spaces such as walls, bulletin boards, or windows to attract attention and engage viewers. Posters are characterised by their large size, bold visuals, and concise messaging.

Posters serve as powerful visual tools for promotion, information dissemination, and raising awareness. Their bold visuals, concise messaging, and strategic placement can capture attention, evoke emotions, and influence audience behaviour. Effective poster design requires a thoughtful balance between visual appeal, clarity of message, and a deep understanding of the target audience.

Here are some key features and characteristics of posters:

• Visual Impact: Posters are designed to make an immediate visual impact and grab the viewer's attention. They often incorporate vibrant colours, captivating images, and eye-catching graphics to stand out in busy environments and captivate passersby.
• Size and Orientation: Posters are generally larger in size compared to other printed materials. Depending on the available space and intended visibility, common sizes include A0, A1, A2, A3 or custom dimensions. The orientation can be portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal), based on the design and purpose of the poster.
• Message and Content: Posters convey a specific message or call to action concisely and memorably. The text content is usually kept minimal, using bold headlines, taglines, or slogans that instantly communicate the critical idea or event details. It may include additional information such as dates, times, locations, contact information, or website URLs.
• Layout and Hierarchy: The layout of a poster should be visually balanced and easy to navigate. The information hierarchy guides the viewer's attention, ensuring that the most important details are prominently displayed. Clear sections, headings, and bullet points can effectively organise the content.
• Branding and Logo: Posters often incorporate branding elements such as company logos, taglines, or brand colours to reinforce brand identity and recognition. Consistency with existing brand guidelines helps establish a cohesive visual identity and strengthens the brand association.
• Call to Action: Posters typically include a call to action, encouraging the viewer to take a specific step, such as attending an event, purchasing a product, visiting a website, or supporting a cause. The call to action should be clear, compelling, and prominently displayed to prompt desired viewer responses.
• Distribution and Placement: Posters are displayed in high-traffic areas where the target audience will likely notice them. This can include community centres, universities, public transportation hubs, retail stores, or event venues. Obtaining permission for poster placement and complying with local regulations or guidelines is important.
• Reproducibility: Posters need to be designed with printability and reproduction in mind. They should be easily scalable and maintain their visual impact across various sizes and printing techniques. High-resolution graphics and suitable file formats (such as PDF or TIFF) are crucial for achieving optimal print quality.