Poster Design for Responsible Consumption and Production
The Synopsis
Project Category: Poster Design
Fall 2024
Softwares: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
The challenge:
Typically, a graphic designer must limit their conceptual solution(s) to single page space rather than multiple pages over a given length. Although limiting at first review, this format has historically produced some of the most memorable design solutions ever made. Examples of this space limitation include single-page ads, billboards, posters, fold-out pamphlets, murals, and large-format book covers. The power of a single page (traditionally larger than 8 1/2 x 11) is as challenging as rewarding. This requires very controlled design skills: a heightened command of typography, a very selective eye for imagery, overall conceptual clarity, and strong dynamics of layout and color. Posters are, after all, given little time for review and analysis, placing an added pressure on you, the designer, to be succinct in your concept and powerfully memorable in your final solution.
Poster for:
The primary competition:
A. Poster for Climate
The secondary competitions:
B. Poster for Art Healing
C. Poster for Food
D. Poster for Future
E. Poster for Culture (Art, Music, Literature, History, etc.)
F. Poster for 17 UN SDGs Topics* (*The 17 SDGs are: No poverty; Zero hunger; Good health and well-being; Quality education; Gender equality; Clean water and sanitation; Affordable and clean energy; Decent work and economic growth; Industry, innovation and infrastructure; Reduced inequalities; Sustainable cities and communities; Responsible consumption and production; Climate action; Life below water; Life on land; Peace, justice, and strong institutions; and Partnerships for the goals.)
Research & Inspiration
Color Palette
Ideation
Observations
After further critique, in reference to the iteration on the right, I shifted the style of the seamstress illustration to be slightly more rendered and detailed for further clarification. However, I still wanted the visual to remain somewhat androgynous or abstract. I referenced piles of clothing for the subject to be desperately pushing apart, almost as if the seas of clothing were enclosing her. I thought this would properly represent the urgency of the topic and highlight the call to action that I would later incorporate.
Visual Design Progress
Final Design Solution
Final Design Statement
The poster displayed on the right is shown with an eye-catching and shocking title “Fast Fashion is Modern Slavery” with a subtitle at the top titled “Over 90% of Clothing Companies Do Not Pay Their Garment Workers a Living Wage” and a bottom subtitle saying “Keep
Your Favorite Brands Accountable”. There is also a call to action QR code indicated on
the poster that links the viewer to the Clean Clothes Campaign website where they can become informed and learn how they can make a difference. I find that my design solution symbolizing the common pain and burdens of numerous women and children facing everyday injustices of fast fashion is not only emotionally impactful but a strong and mindful visualization. The bold and urgent tones of orange paired with an emotionally dense and bold shade of dark blue communicate an equal sense of poignancy and desolation.
The Call to Action
The Clean Clothes Campaign, founded in 1989, is a global network of over 200 organizations operating in over 45 countries. Their work ensures that the fundamental rights of workers are being respected, lobbies companies and governments at a local and national scale, and cooperates extensively with labor rights campaigns outside of their own network. This website will aid in the audiences’ ability to stay informed, learn how to get involved, and help the fight for better conditions for garment workers around the world.
Reflections on Learning
Due to the numerous amounts of ideations I did during this closet to hone in on the proper composition, style, color palette, etc. I learned the importance of iterations. It took me to a much more balanced, strong, and meaningful end design than if I hadn’t explored as many options. In the future, I will keep this lesson in mind as I begin the process for other design projects.
