A poster constitutes a mirror for the times it is created in. Like a mirror it reflects the political and the social situation, it informs about the repertoire of movie theaters and dramatic theaters, it announces sporting events, it encourages to purchase certain goods. The socio-political poster plays a specific propaganda role. Those who commission it expect that effective impact of the work of art upon the viewer will allow them to get closer to their desired goal. The goal varies depending on the circumstances: winning a war, or a presidential election, or a parliamentary campaign; a struggle to alter social behaviors or attitudes.
A German writer, Arno Scholz, in his book, The One Times One Table of Political Advertising, emphasised simplicity and clarity as the most important features of a poster. He outlined a checklist of nine points to consider in designing any political poster. These points are representative of poster design principles set out in almost every party manual on political campaigning in most countries of the world:
1. Put as little as possible on the poster (design or text).
2. Arrange the design and lettering to attract the attention of passers-by.
3. Consider where the poster will be hung or displayed. (in our case it can vary from the streets of the City to the exibition halls)
4. Consider how effective it will look next to other political posters.
5. Text and design should be large enough to be seen from a prescribed distance, usually 10-15 metres.
6. Use harmonious colour combinations.
7. Design and text must complement each other.
8. Use a modern up-to-date art style.
9. The design should not detract from the impact of the words.
|
