Studio Brief 02 - Poster design and final experiments

Up until this point, the experiments done on stock and ink were based on the cover and initial pages of the publication. The design of the poster was not included because it simply is not designed yet. The leaflet will still retain a french fold that will open up to a poster that will encourage the reader to hang it on their wall as a helpful reminder. Because this leaflet will be distributed at schools, these poster can be hung around informing students.

To encourage students to hang these posters, it will be done as a tribute to all that is typical of the 80s pop culture. That means neon pink, chrome, grid landscapes, black backgrounds, sunsets and outlandish type. From a designers standpoint this approach may be unapproved of however in order to relate to the younger audience better this approach would be better received.

 

The title of this poster keeps in with the "Warning! High Voltage" message in the previous pages. It serves as a reminder to the audience that electricity is dangerous. Furthermore, Danger Keep Away is a apt title for the information that informs the reader how to avoid situations with high voltage electricity. The choice for chrome and the gradient is to grab the readers attention whilst the information is done in white to keep a neutral palette that does not over complicate the poster's colour scheme. Danger was done in Molot type because of its thick stems and small counters that forces its message across with high impact.  Keep Away was done in Fighting Spirit typeface because of its jagged design. The rough lines add to that sense of danger and keeps in with the Saul Bass inspired forms on the previous pages. Univers Bold Condensed was again used to maintain consistency within the leaflet as well as it allows for more information to be put onto the poster. The line of text at the bottom of each instruction act as a form of sub heading and are mainly suggestions for the reader. Due to the small type size, it forces the reader to read the message rather than to gloss over it. The last line "Play Safe, Play Smart" is another tagline that could be part of the campaign much like "Don't Risk It". The grid lines, hills, space background and sunset are a homage to the stereotypical art of what one thinks of the 80s. 

120gsm

150gsm

This is the end design and form of the leaflet. The choice still remains to opt for the 120gsm stock because of the flatter profile it creates and because of its white grain, the colours appear more vibrant increasing the intended desire to grab the readers attention. The proportions of the leaflet stay true to original VHS tape dimensions in order to maintain authenticity. When folded the leaflet does exceed the briefs size limits, however authenticity is an integral part of the leaflet that creates the novelty. At this point the scoring method has been improved and minimal creases are created when folding. The tearing of the ink on the sides is still unavoidable however. When folded in the french fold method, the decision to cutout the side of the VHS cover was not chosen because it would effect straight sides of the poster behind. 

The final image shows how the poster would look like if posted on a wall. The high contrast created from the orange hues against the dark blue background effectively draws the eyes in and garners attention.