Construction Promotional Poster

After taking the various photographs for our promotional poster we put the images on the computer. Looking through the images, we found that this photograph best represented our genre so the next step was to open the photograph on Adobe Photoshop. After successful doing this we thought about our ideas and how to incorporate them. While experimenting with different effects we came across the motion through going on blur through the filter. We found this effective because by blur it made it seem as though the photograph was taken while moving. We felt as though it would work on the background, surrounding the artist , to have the motion effect we had to select the area that we wanted to be effected, this was done by using the magnetic lasso tool as you can see in the image on the right. We used this tool because it allowed us to easily select the areas, then we were able to change the amount of blur to 31. This enabled us to the see the blur, but also see the background.

This was effective at bringing attention to the artist.

Moving on, we trialled different filters on the photograph, however we mainly focused on the black and white effects. To get the filter to be grey, we had to change the colour of the swatches to black and white in that specific order, to get the effect that we achieved. One effect that we looked at was conte crayon, this was good as because it was clear. Nevertheless, this effect we thought was generic so we decided to try others. This lead us to reticulation, collectively we were attracted to this effect and because we are apart of our target audience using this filter would surely be effective at engaging our specific audience. This effect emulated a professional promotional poster because of its uniqueness, making it stand out.

Because of the filter effect we used on the image it was not for us to do extensive editing. Since we felt that we had finished editing and was pleased with the out come, we then had to save the photograph as a jpeg in order for it to be placed on Adobe Indesign. To place the image we made a layer, this enabled us to lock it if needed so it wont be affected, and allows us to move separate layers around. The reason for placing the images on a different programme was because Indesign features a wide range of fonts , options that involve manipulating the fonts. Also from past experiences we knew that the end product on Indesign would be of a high standard.

Following on from placing the image on a new document, the first idea that we wanted to incorporate was having the name of artist at the top of the poster ‘Katy B’. For the promotional poster to successfully advertise the artist and our DVD the font had to large and clear to catch the viewers eye. Although the colour of the font was originally black, we starting we felt white would stand out, as well as fitting in with the theme. To change the colour of one of the swatches, as you can see from one of the images above that we had to move the arrow depending on the colour that we wanted more of . To achieve the colour white on the text it was highlighted, and all the arrows had to be moved to the left. The original type of font we had was called ‘Helvetica’, this was good presenting the name clearly .

From this image you can see that we made a change to the font changing it from its original choice, to futura. This gave the text a futuristic feel ,as it resembled a digital theme. We were attracted to this idea at first, because we had the artists name in a futuristic font, we felt that this could represent how she symbolises the future of rnb because she crosses over in multiple genres such as dubstep and funky, this would also widen her target audience. Again from the image above, you can see we added another layer on top of the photograph in preparation to write some more on the promotional poster to give more information to the audience, in order for them to become engaged with the poster.

Continuing from the previous slide, we added more text on the poster which could be considered to be the most essential. At this stage we decided to put layers onto the poster and add the vital information needed for it to be successful. We didn’t change the font and colour of the text in that moment, as we left time for us to search more styles of texts that suited our genre. The essential information, involved ‘On A Mission’, this was important because it is the title of the DVD and the purpose of the promotional poster is to advertise this, meaning it would have to be in a clear place and stand out. Also, including dates of when the DVD is released was important for example, ‘OUT NOW’, our choice of out now being in capital letters was we felt it made a bold statement, and because it is a short phrase, someone that views the promotional poster will be able easily remember it which may increase the chance of them buying the DVD.

Subsequently after trialling different fonts for both the title ‘ON A MISSION’ and ‘OUT NOW’ we decided on our final fonts. The font and positioning of DVD name we felt would be best placed at the opposite end of the artist name. The reasoning for this is that from researching promotion posters this was the usual layout, however we did feel that this would cause the viewer to look for what is being advertised by the artist therefore attracting our target audience that are fans of Katy B. Yet again, we chose to present the text in capital letters we wanted to incorporate this technique in the title of the DVD to emphasis the importance to the audience. On the other hand ‘OUT NOW’, instead of keeping the theme of simple text we used a more distinctive, the font differing from the artist name and album title causes it to stand out and therefore jumps out to the audience when the album is available.

At this point in the creation process the promotional poster is formulating and is structured clearly. Before this stage the font of the artist name Katy B was different, here once more we changed the font after finding a font that we thought emulated that of a professional promotional poster. Although it doesn't seem now, however the font at this stage is the same as our originally chosen font. After manipulating the text we were able to create a font that seamlessly flowed with the photograph, this was achieved through changing the font from regular to ultra light and increasing the space between each letters using the tool above enlarged above. Also, we added a splash of colour onto the poster by using the colour blue, adding colour a monotone background will help in catching the attention of an audience. Furthermore, having the blue, relates to the colours of black, grey and white which are all associated with our urban genre.

After looking at the promotional poster we felt as though something was missing, by recalling back to our researching and planning stages including our various flat plans, we remembered our previous ideas which involved putting quotes into the promotional poster. Additionally, we thought by having quotes on the poster it would make sense for the quotes to come from magazines or radio stations that are associated with our chosen genres. We thought using words such as ‘excellent’ and ‘best’ would again add to the attraction, as well as carrying on the style of using capital letters. The font we used for the quotes was furtura, this made them clear and stand out. By having layers and writing quotes in them we were able to arrange them in a way that frames the central image of the artist, therefore becoming the central focus.

When completing almost every aspect to the promotional poster, after looking at it again we found a minor problem. The problem was that the font did not clearly stand out from the grey background and was slightly blending into the background, solve this problem we added a black outline to all the text featured on the poster, this was accomplished by highlighting the text and clicking on the swatches.

Finally, after completing the promotional poster there was one more thing that needed to be added this was, the DVD cover. To do this we added a new layer so we would be able to place the front cover of DVD on the promotional poster. We had to export the DVD cover from Indesign in order for it to become a jpeg, so it could be place on top of the promotional poster.

After this we had to resize the image so it would fit on the poster and resemble a CD. We then tested out different positions of the DVD by rotating.

However at the ending we decided to have it straight, so it can be clearly viewed. Also we positioned it next to ‘out now’ we done this because we felt it would allow our audience to know what the poster is promoting.