Media Poster Feedback Needed

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Ok so I have made 3 print posters for my media coursework. I need to have some feedback for all of my 3 posters. Ideally 10 comments per photo.

So I have re-designed my website, please comment my posters.

http://web.mac.com/christm3/CHRIS_PHOTOGRAPHY/Blog/Entries/2008/1/24_Media_coursework_posters.html

I have numbered them so that I know which poster you are talk about

i.e. Poster 1 - 'comment......."
Poster 2 - 'comment......"
Poster 3 - 'comment......"

I really appreciate your time.

Thank you so much,

Chris.
 
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OK, I'll comment both here and on your site. I should point out that you might want to give more info. What size are the posters? I can get a fair idea from the posters, but what does NSPCC do? And what does it stand for?

Age: 25 and I have experience as a designer.

Poster1: Type is too spaced out, and the font choice and font colour don't really work. The type doesn't flow as it should. Having each word separated like that, it's almost telling you to pause between each word. Also, it's ambiguous as to whether it's word of hope, or a command. The black spot over the face doesn't work either. If the model didn't want to have their face shown (or if it's for security reasons), don't shoot the model's face. Maybe a close up of the body (and specifically, the body language) would have worked? Maybe you could have shot them from behind? Creative lighting would have helped with the mood here. I just don't think it looks like they're suffering. Plus, the pink might add too much warmth to the image, which doesn't really add the right mood.

I think the logo is too large, and would probably need a little more white space around it. Either this, or create a large white panel running the width of the poster, with the logo in that (so essentially, the poster is divided in two. Maybe 4/5 for the image, 1/5 for the white panel with logo and info) Don't neglect using white space - it's powerful, and can really grab the viewer's attention.

Poster2: Pretty much the same as above. The logo size is improved, but just looks tucked away in the corner, as if the viewer isn't really meant to pay it much attention. It's good how the text kind of leads the eye down to it, but again, the text needs work. The "?" is getting cropped, so watch the spacing there. The font is a little better, but again, the colour isn't too good.

Something you might want to consider - does this organisation only deal with youth? If not, a more 'anonymous' image might help - such as the model being shot from behind. This way, the body language speaks, but there is no face, suggesting it could be anyone. You, someone you know, someone you've seen etc. Putting a face to the image narrows down the target audience too much. Also, it's much tougher to get just the shot you want, as faces are hard to capture with the right expression, unless the model is very talented.

Poster3: Again, same comments apply to this. I think the photo is stronger, and the wording is stronger as well, but the font, colour and positioning of the type let it down a bit. Just for kicks, have a go at the white panel down the bottom and see how it looks. It will allow you to put the type down there, giving the image more room to breathe and convey more power, the information will be organised and easier to follow.


Conclusions:
If you have time for a reshoot, I'd try some new things with the photography. Maybe some darker settings, different angles. Play with depth of field - a close of of the models face, which is out of focus, but their hands are in focus, maybe dirtied or with scratches. If I knew the organisation I'd be able to help out more.

Scout around for some locations that you can easily shoot at, and be able to spend a decent amount of time shooting at. How does the location look at different times of the day? Sketch out some ideas once you have a few locations. Remember to keep information organised. Don't space out type as the flow and meaning are lost. And if something doesn't work, find a creative way around it.

Another important thing to consider - how are real posters like this done? What makes them work? Use these and other posters that inspire you to get some ideas for layouts, fonts and colours. Consider the target audience and desired effect at all times though, as this will help you define the theme.
I don't think you have any problems with the photography side of things. Especially in the 3rd poster, as that's the strongest image. I think the type is letting you down a bit. Keep it closer together, and all in one line, as it is a sentence after all.


...wow, longest post ever, heheh
 
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christm
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wow. Thank you so, so, so much. I really appreciate your feedback. Unfortunately I dont have anytime for a re-shoot but I do have several hundred more photos i could use from the shoot.

I have only covered the models face when i have put them on my website, in the actual poster (bus stop size) there face is showing. I covered it because she is very young and i dont want to post her around the internet, im sure your understand.

I will try the white section at the bottom. Possibly even a white border.

Thank you so, so much. I will feedback to you how I get on.

Thanks

Chris
 
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The NSPCC is a child cruelty charity working in the UK. Sorry I should have explained.
 
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The NSPCC is a child cruelty charity working in the UK. Sorry I should have explained.

ah, I see. No problem on the feedback. Now that you say what the charity does, some ideas spring to mind. There was an ad back in Aus that I saw, which was so powerful. See if I can find a link.

Got it. Take a look here. This is one of the best ads I've ever seen.
Link here
It took quite a different approach to the usual ads of its kind and their concepts. Hope you enjoy it.
 
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christm
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wow thats a strong advert. a johnny cash song as well really adds to it.

i have redone all 3 posters. i will post them later as i need a break now !

3 hours of photoshop and im ready for a break.

thanks again. I will post the new ones on my site by this evening (saturday 21:00 GMT).

chris
 
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wow thats a strong advert. a johnny cash song as well really adds to it.

i have redone all 3 posters. i will post them later as i need a break now !

3 hours of photoshop and im ready for a break.

thanks again. I will post the new ones on my site by this evening (saturday 21:00 GMT).

chris

other ads I've seen try to show the harsh realities of abuse - this ad puts a creative spin on it by distorting the reality. I still get goosebumps watching it.

Also, do you have access to something like Indesign at your college? Using something like that should really help with the type layout and control. It would also be beneficial if you were dealing with a vector version of the logo.
 
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christm
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We dont unfortunatly. Its a windows world ! and they insist in using Microsoft products or Serif !

So I use my mac.

Sorry I didn't keep my promise of uploading them. I will upload them later.
 
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We dont unfortunatly. Its a windows world ! and they insist in using Microsoft products or Serif !

So I use my mac.

Sorry I didn't keep my promise of uploading them. I will upload them later.

ouch, microsoft apps for design. When you say 'serif', do you mean serif fonts, or is it the name of an app as well?
 
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Do you not have a Mac suite at your college / university? I'm astounded they don't have Macs available for a media course. Even Blackburn College had Macs when I did my general art course there before university.

I can't see your posters by the way. I'm asked for a password.
 
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christm
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oh yes, We have 2 old eMac's

I dont like to use them though ! they are only used for imovie editing.

Yh i realise there is a password. I have received all of the feedback i need to.

Thank you for your willingness to provide feedback.
 

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