Poster Design Tips & Tricks

Poster Design - as Easy as 1, 2, 3

The purpose of this page is to provide basic tips and tricks related to poster design for 4-H members who would like to participate in the State 4-H Poster Contest. This page could also serve as a good resource for 4-H volunteers or 4-H families who support 4-H members in participating in this state level contest.

Steps to Creating a 4-H Poster

1. Develop a plan by drawing a rough sketch of your poster. Consider questions like: Is a vertical or horizontal layout better? What type of picture will you use to convey your message? Will you draw the picture yourself or use something else to help you create it?
2. Create legible lettering by using letters that are cut out, drawn, or stenciled. You can also use "stick on" letters. Make sure they are easy to read. A 14 x 28 poster should have letters 2 to 4 inches high.
3. Use "the rule of thirds" to create a strong center of interest. Think of a tic-tac-toe baord - your main design should fall in the center.

An Effective 4-H Poster

1. Grabs and holds attention
2. Is easy to understand
3. Has one main idea and a consistent message

A good 4-H Poster design includes:

1. The Illustration - balanced and original work (no cartoon characters or copyrights).
2. The message - readable, concise, and clear. Message should be easy to understand. Less is more.
3. Open space - avoid crowded look. Open space helps keep the viewer's attention. A good poster to should have a one-inch margin around the border of the poster.

A good 4-H Poster should be:

1. Simple, Clean, and Neat - letters can be drawn, painted, or cut from paper and glued to poster.
2. Colorful - use color but no more than 2 or 3 colors. Use the "color wheel" to create contrast.
3. Have simple illustrations - must be able to carry the message in a single, simple idea.

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