POSTER DESIGN - VISUAL COMMUNICATION

Challenge

The Health Office at Farmingdale State University recognized the need to engage students in health and wellness practices through impactful visual communication. The challenge was to create a series of posters that not only conveyed important health messages but also captured the attention of a busy and diverse student body. The goal was to design posters that were not just informative, but also visually striking, using typography and illustrations in a way that would resonate with students and encourage them to take positive action towards their health.

Solution

I was tasked with designing three distinct posters, each with its own unique health message aimed at motivating students to make better lifestyle choices. The design approach was rooted in the power of bold typography combined with minimalist illustrations, ensuring that the messages were clear, direct, and impactful.

Poster 1: Exercise and Illness

• This poster features the message, "Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness." The design employs a powerful contrast between red and white text on a dark blue background. The words "exercise" and "illness" are emphasized in bold red, visually driving home the importance of physical activity. The subtle silhouette of a person in motion in the background adds a dynamic element, reinforcing the message of movement and vitality.

Poster 2: Dental Health

• The second poster focuses on dental health, with the message, "A beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth." Set against a refreshing turquoise background, the text is presented in a large, blocky font with a playful tooth icon subtly integrated into the design. The use of light and airy colors evokes a sense of cleanliness and health, while the large, centered text ensures the message is unmistakable.

Poster 3: Mental Health and Positive Attitude

• The final poster addresses mental health, with the encouraging statement, "Having a positive mental attitude is asking how something can be done rather than saying it can't be done." The design uses a strong contrast of white and red text against a black background, with the word "how" emphasized in white, creating a focal point. The underlying image of a brain, barely visible behind the text, symbolizes the mental effort involved in maintaining a positive attitude.

The choice of bold typography was intentional, designed to catch the eye of students passing by and to deliver the message with clarity and urgency. The minimalist illustrations serve to support the text without distracting from it, ensuring that the posters are both visually appealing and easy to understand at a glance.

Outcome

The posters were displayed prominently in various locations around the Farmingdale State University campus, including the Health Office, gym, and common areas. The feedback from both students and faculty was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the effectiveness of the posters in raising awareness about important health issues. The use of bold typography and thoughtful design elements helped to create a visual language that was both engaging and educational, successfully encouraging students to take charge of their health and well-being. This project demonstrated the power of design in health communication, proving that well-crafted visual messages can inspire real behavioral change.