poster

A poster is a form of visual communication, typically a single sheet of printed material intended for public display. Posters are designed to attract attention and convey a message quickly through a combination of text, imagery and color. They are used to advertise products and events, inform the public about political or social issues, or decorate spaces. Posters are produced in various sizes from small handbills to large-format billboards, and may be printed on paper, vinyl, or other substrates for indoor or outdoor use.

Design considerations include legibility from a distance, emphasis on a focal image, and a hierarchy of information. Common elements are a bold headline, supporting copy, and a visual motif. Typography is often tailored for legibility and mood; images can be photographs or illustrations; color choices aim to evoke emotion or convey branding. Production methods range from traditional offset lithography and screen printing to modern digital printing and large-format printing; finishes may include matte, gloss, or laminate for durability.

Historically, posters emerged as public notices and advertising in the 18th and 19th centuries and grew into a prominent art form in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec contributing to the lithographic poster. In contemporary practice, posters remain a staple for film, music and event promotion, political campaigns, and social campaigns, as well as for decorative or commemorative purposes. The term poster covers both commercial advertising posters and artistic poster design, as distinct from smaller handbills or flyers used for similar messages.