Movie Poster Design

Working Knowledge of Graphic Design Software and Digital Tools:

In this project, I demonstrate my technical proficiency using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign to bring my design concept to life. I used Photoshop to extract the figure from the original background and blend it seamlessly into a new image. I utilized the adjustment tools to ensure consistency in texture and tone, creating a cohesive visual effect. Additionally, I leveraged InDesign to arrange each visual element in a fluid pattern, prioritizing readability and maintaining a systematic layout for the accompanying text, all of which support the overall narrative of the composition.

Elements of Design:

I deconstructed the original images to create a new composition that effectively captures the poster’s intended message. After editing them in Photoshop and applying design principles, the previously unrelated visual elements achieved a sense of harmony and successfully conveyed the poster’s tone. I opted for a symmetrical layout, typical of most traditional movie posters, to ensure familiarity that would enhance understanding of all critical information, such as the release date, film production company, and actors’ names. Additionally, I created visual depth by incorporating blurred effects, hierarchy of elements, and adjusting the font’s colors. These all align with the main message and elicit a feeling of dread.

Creative Self-Expression and Originality:

I incorporated movie poster design elements to enhance the visual appeal and reinforce the brand’s central theme. This involved studying various movie genres to capture the desired mood and artistic style. I then combined different elements, such as a striking image of a menacing man, a background image to set the scene, and a chilling typeface to complement both. While the visual graphics in this composition were not completely original, defining the concept through the correct application of design principles demonstrates a high level of creativity.

Evidence of Thoughtful and Appropriate Critique Skills:

I got some feedback about the readability of the subheader above the title and against the main image. Unfortunately, the font has no bolder style option, so I added a 0.25pt weight to make it more readable without changing the letterforms. The feedback also made me realize that the title seems separate from the background. To address this, I made a copy, placed it behind the original words, changed the color to black, and adjusted the position to highlight the outline of the words in red. This adjustment eliminates confusion and enhances the horror aesthetic even more.

Evidence of Following Directions:

I applied the fundamental design guidelines I’ve picked up from previous classes, incorporating and removing steps that wouldn’t contribute to convincing the target audience. The crucial steps I always adhere to are writing a brief, researching the design structure of other movie posters, generating ideas, and collecting essential elements. Following these steps greatly influences time management and creating a cohesive design. The quality of the final composition demonstrates that I meticulously followed a method to ensure that all important aspects were addressed in the design.

Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail:

This poster effectively incorporates elements and principles of design to express the theme and provide important information to the target audience. It demonstrates my attention to detail by carefully arranging other components to allow the main subject to stand out. For example, I used a reductive color palette to emphasize the title above the prominent figure. Both were strategically positioned to influence the audience’s reaction and reinforce the poster’s central theme. In the end, although my approach is relatively conventional, I used my design knowledge to skillfully combine elements that resulted in an effective and functional movie poster.

References

Larabie, R. (2023, January 27). Shlop Font. 1001 Fonts. https://www.1001fonts.com/shlop-font.html
Nhan, A. (2019, March 25). Doors Closed at Hallway. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/doors-closed-at-hallway-WPM1dxsjK0I

Sam. (2021, September 28). Free Subway Advertising Display Mockup | Mockuptree. Mockuptree. https://mockuptree.com/free/subway-advertising-display-mockup/

عطاردوا, A. M. H. (2018, November 13). Man Wearing Dress Shirt and Sunglasses. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/man-wearing-dress-shirt-and-sunglasses-JC1oue4zY5U