35+ Best Creative Poster Ideas to Make You Stand Out
Looking for poster ideas to make you stand out?
As a designer who willingly designed one poster a day and posted it on social media for 365 consecutive days, I can tell you that coming up with unique and eye-catching poster ideas is not always easy. But have no fear because I’m here to help you with some of the best creative poster ideas to make you stand out!
This article will list the best creative poster ideas to help you stand out, whether that’s a poster for your next event. I’ll share some of the best posts I have designed and organize them into four categories: layout, color, elements, and typography.
Let’s get started!
The Best Creative Poster Ideas
Here are the best poster ideas to make your design projects stand out the most!
Layout
Layout in graphic design is one of the most important aspects to consider when creating poster designs.
Here are some tips for effective poster layouts:
- Use a grid – A grid helps keep your poster design organized and visually appealing
- Use whitespace – Whitespace helps to emphasize the elements of your poster design and makes it easier to read
- Use asymmetrical design – Asymmetrical poster designs can draw attention and add visual interest
1) Layer elements to create a sense of depth
Credit: Nike
Layering elements in a poster can help make it more unique.
In this poster example for Nike, the subject is emphasized, and the individual and the combined letters draw your attention to create a sense of depth.
You can layer many things to create this effect. Another creative poster idea involving layering is using matte and glossy textures to give your poster dimension. Or, you could add gradients to create some ombré effect.
2) Use asymmetry to pull focus
Most posters are symmetrical (how boring). Why not make a poster that is asymmetrical?
Asymmetry is when two halves are not the same. Viewers will be drawn to the different elements placed off-center or outside the traditional grid.
This can help pull the viewer focus on something you want them to notice, like in this “poking fun” poster.
This can help your poster stand out from the sea of bland, symmetrical designs that often fill public spaces.
3) Use a consistent page margin width
I know, I know. I just said you should be asymmetrical with your designs to attract attention, but the same idea goes for symmetry.
People are also drawn to symmetrical, organized, and consistent things. That’s because our brains are trained to look for patterns, and a uniform margin width creates a visually pleasing design that is easy for the brain to process.
This poster design idea often looks more professional than those without. This is because it conveys a sense of order and control, which makes your poster seem trustworthy and competent.
4) Create a balanced composition
Credit: IMDB
Focus on creating a balanced design.
Too much text or too many images can be overwhelming, so try to strike a balance between the two.
Look at this poster example from the movie “127 Hours.” The images are high quality with only a limited amount of text, but the combination is impactful. It’s also an extremely balanced composition.
5) Use a border to add structure
Another creative poster idea is to add a border. This can help frame the poster and help it look more put-together.
The type of border you choose will depend on the look you are trying to achieve.
You might choose a thin, elegant border for a more sophisticated look.
You might opt for a thicker, more colorful border for a fun look.
6) Lead the viewer’s eye
When creating a poster design, it is essential to consider how you can lead the viewer’s eye.
This can be done in several ways, such as using contrasts in color or movement.
In the poster design idea I created celebrating women, the brightest element is the women in the air, which draws your eye in immediately. Her vertical positioning leads your eye down to the text underneath.
7) Create a sense of depth and dimension with perspective
Another poster design idea involves perspective.
Using different levels of perspective, you can create a sense of depth and dimension to make your creative poster idea more engaging and visually interesting.
8) Establish a visual hierarchy
Credit: IMDB
Visual hierarchy refers to how elements are arranged on the page to create a clear and logical progression from the most important information to the least important.
You can achieve this in your poster design in a couple of different ways:
- Size to emphasize certain elements
- Using contrasting colors to make certain elements stand out
- Utilize whitespace to create visual interest and highlight specific areas of your poster
9) Use boxes to organize things into different sections & create visual interest
There are a couple of reasons why you might want to break up your poster into different sections:
- Keep your poster design organized so that viewers can easily find the information they are looking for
- Highlight different elements of the poster to draw attention
The white space in this poster example makes this much more interesting than just having the cherry blossoms as the background.
10) Be minimalistic
Sometimes, the best kind of poster is a minimalist design.
If you’re like me, you want to impress people with your poster design ideas. You’ll want to use all design elements simultaneously to blow people’s minds.
But the truth is that you usually do a disservice to yourself if you don’t take the minimalist approach.
The most popular poster I designed during my 365-day challenge was a minimalist design.
I posted it, left it in the hands of the algorithm, and was happy with the results the following day.
When creating posters, if you try to incorporate every design element, you risk your work looking messy, lacking balance, negative space, etc.
Suddenly, there are too many focal points, viewers don’t know what to pay attention to, and your message doesn’t come through. Therefore, minimalist posters are the way to go.
Often, creating a minimalist poster design with just a few design elements can be the most impactful and stand out the most.
11) Negative space is not a negative thing… make it your best friend
Credit: Ali Express
Regarding poster design, using negative space can be your best friend.
White space can help highlight the most important elements of your poster, making sure they stand out from the rest.
This is effectively achieved in this creative poster example for Sherlock Holmes. A few elements and negative space establish the entire context.
12) Become a badass and break the rules
Credit: David Carson
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, break the rules like David Carson.
His style is known to be grungy; perhaps some would even call it messy. But ultimately, it’s organized chaos, and that’s why so many people love his work.
He breaks the rules but in a tasteful way. After all, rules are meant to be broken, right?
Color
Colors can be a powerful tool when used to create poster designs. You can use colors to add visual interest, convey the right emotion, and develop a sense of depth.
13) Make variations of the same poster
Another way to make your poster design ideas stand out is to create multiple versions of the same poster.
This can be done by varying the colors, fonts, and images. By doing this, people will take more time contemplating which version they like better and increase engagement.
By giving people different options, you’ll hook people’s attention.
14) Use a color overlay
Using color overlays is another way to help your poster ideas stand out. You can use one color or multiple to make your poster pop.
Sometimes, coming up with color combinations can be a struggle.
Something that I often do is design my poster in black and white. Then, in Photoshop, I put a color overlay on top and changed the blending mode and color until I saw something I was happy with.
15) Add a splash of color
When it comes to catching someone’s attention, color is key.
A poster with bright and contrasting colors will stand out from the rest. Plus, color can convey emotion and add visual impact.
Whether you’re trying to stir up excitement or create a sense of calm, the right colors can help you convey your message.
16) Pair colors
Although it can be good to have a pop of color to grab attention, it’s also a good idea to pair colors so that they are not too random or isolated.
For example, pairing similar colors between typography and an image. The man’s shirt matches perfectly with the typography in this poster example.
Remember that colors can convey the message or feeling you’re trying to communicate with your poster. For example, warm colors can give the impression of excitement or urgency, while cool colors can be more calming.
17) Throw it back by incorporating vintage/retro styles
From vintage clothes to retro decor, the throwback style is everywhere nowadays – including poster design.
There are many reasons to choose a vintage style for your poster design.
For one thing, vintage poster designs tend to be full of personality. They often feature a bold color palette and interesting patterns, which can grab attention.
Vintage styles are an opportunity to use effects you might not usually apply, like this halftone effect I applied:
In addition, vintage poster designs can help to evoke certain emotions.
Choosing a vintage style is great if you want your poster to convey nostalgia.
18) Create a sense of movement and energy with gradients
Gradients are a great way to add depth and dimension to a poster.
Using a light-to-dark or dark-to-light color scheme, you can create a design that will make your poster stand out.
This creates a sense of movement and energy, attracting people to your work.
19) Grab attention with a bold color scheme
Credit: Magdiel Lopez
A poster is meant to be noticed, and Magdiel Lopez does a great job of achieving this with the bold colors he incorporates into his poster ideas.
One way to make a design memorable is by using a bold color scheme. Bright colors are attention-grabbing and can help communicate the poster’s message more effectively.
In addition, bright colors can help to make a poster more visible from a distance and help create a sense of vibrancy and energy.
20) Use a focal point that stands out
Credit: IMDB
The focal point is one of the most essential elements of a successful poster design.
This part of the poster stands out the most and immediately catches the eye. It will help to ensure that your poster is seen and remembered.
There are several ways to create a focal point, such as using bright colors, bold text, or an eye-catching image.
A creative poster example of using focal points effectively is the iconic movie poster from “The Silence of the Lambs.” You can see that they used color on different elements (the moth, the eyes, and the movie title) to draw your eye immediately while desaturating everything else.
Elements
Elements in graphic design are essential to help your work stand out because they can grab people’s attention immediately by adding things like energy, texture, and contrast.
21) Use recognizable pop culture figures
Credit: Beeple
When it comes to poster design, one way to make your work stand out is to use recognizable pop culture figures.
Whether it’s a movie still, a well-known painting, or even a character from a TV show, using pop culture references can help your poster grab people’s attention. Not only will people be drawn to the familiar image, but they’ll also be more likely to remember your poster when they see it again.
When I think of this, I’m reminded of Beeple (known for selling his digital art collection for $69 million and doing a series of “Everydays“).
Beeple (Mike Winkelmann) often references pop culture by incorporating characters like Buzz Lightyear and Mario into his work. He also generates a lot of thought-provoking work by using political figures that stir conversations among his followers.
22) Use energetic lines
Credit: Paika
Lines can help to create a sense of movement and energy, making the poster more engaging. In addition, lines can help to develop an understanding of depth and dimension, giving the poster a more three-dimensional look.
This is true with the creative poster idea in this example, where the lines are two-dimensional but curved backward, giving the poster a three-dimensional look.
23) Use a texture overlay
When working on a poster design, adding some texture overlays is one of the easiest ways to make it pop.
Texture overlays are images you can use to add visual interest to your poster design.
They’re easy to use – what I do is Google something along the lines of “grunge texture” or “poster texture overlay,” download it, and drag it into my poster design file (in my case, Photoshop).
You can then scale and position it however you like and change the blending mode to whatever looks the best. Play around with the opacity to control its visibility, and use the clone stamp tool if there are any marks you want to get rid of.
Texture overlays can help your poster stand out in different ways.
For example, they can add contrast if you incorporate clean and rough textures. They can also add some depth and character to your design.
24) Use contrasting elements
Credit: Olly Moss
Many people think that contrast is only about colors, but it’s about any two elements that differ.
Using different colors, fonts, or images, you can use contrast to make your creative poster idea stand out.
For instance, you could use a light color for the background and a dark color for the text. Or you could use a bold font for the headline and a more delicate font for the body copy.
To get the best results in contrast, try designing your poster in black and white first since black and white are the most polarizing colors. Once you’ve done this, you can apply color and try to achieve the same (or similar) contrast level as the black-and-white version.
25) Creatively incorporate images in exciting and unusual ways
Another way to make your poster more interesting is to include images in interesting or unique ways creatively. This can be done with photos, illustrations, or infographics.
It might help to combine images that wouldn’t typically be seen together.
I created this surrealist poster with planets coming from a woman’s head. That’s not something you see daily, meaning it will catch people’s attention.
Think of ways you might be able to combine images strangely or unexpectedly and see how people react.
26) Use illustrations in combination with flat colors
When it comes to a compelling creative poster idea, one of the best ways to create contrast is to combine illustrations with flat colors. This is a clean and simple way to add visual interest.
27) Use vector icons to generate curiosity
Credit: Etsy
Vector icons are super simple and clean and can help make your poster look more polished and professional. Plus, they’re easy to customize, so you can make them fit your poster perfectly.
These posters create a unique shape from afar, drawing people in to give it a closer look.
For example, I found this poster of Madonna in different iconic outfits. From afar, the poster is balanced. As a viewer, you’ll naturally want a closer look to see the details.
28) Establish context with a background image
A poster background image can help you stand out for several reasons:
- A background image can break up a large expanse of blank space and help direct the viewer’s eye toward the main text or focal point of the poster
- It can convey mood or tone, setting the stage for the rest of the poster (e.g., a poster background for a concert might feature a photo of the band on stage, while a poster for a nature hike might feature an idyllic landscape).
I’ve established context in this poster example by putting a car with a horizon in the background. As soon as you see this poster, you feel like you’re standing on a road looking at a car, establishing a setting that follows the message.
29) Incorporate eye-catching patterns
By incorporating eye-catching patterns, you’ll grab people’s attention and make them more likely to stop and take a closer look.
People are drawn to interesting shapes and symmetry. In this poster example, the design effectively achieves this in a nicely balanced way.
30) Communicate your message quicker with graphic elements
Credit: Baugasm
Although purely typographic posters can be effective, they can sometimes be enhanced by including graphic elements.
Incorporating these is important in poster design because they can quickly communicate a message through symbolism rather than words.
Graphic elements can create visual interest and a sense of movement. In addition, they can develop a desired mood or atmosphere.
For example, you can incorporate shapes. You can emphasize elements using bold colors, adding drop shadows, and more.
This is something that Vasjen Katro (Baugasm) often does in his work. He’ll create organic elements like people using 3D software and combine them with flat shapes that sometimes symbolically represent something (in this case, the sun).
This helps quickly communicate something while contrasting flat and organic elements.
Typography
If you want your typography to aid you in standing out with your design work, some things you might want to do are keep it short and to the point, make it memorable by distorting it, or use some witty phrases.
31) Keep the tagline short and to the point
Credit: Panos Tsironis
This creative poster idea has a lot of things going for it, one of them being only a few words for the tagline.
Keeping your tagline short and to the point is essential, with many competing messages and visual stimuli vying for our attention.
A short tagline will help ensure your message is not lost in a sea of words and catch the reader’s attention.
In today’s fast-paced world, simplicity is key, so don’t be afraid to keep your poster’s message short and sweet.
32) Present your typography posters in a unique way
Uniquely presenting typography can help you stand out for several reasons.
First, it shows you are willing to think outside the box and experiment with different design elements. This indicates that you have a creative eye and are not afraid to take risks.
Additionally, uniquely presenting typography can help communicate your message more effectively.
In this poster example, “feeling tipsy” embodies having a buzz from alcohol and being a bit of a mess.
33) Make it enjoyable with humor
When it comes to a creative poster idea, humor can be a helpful tool for making your work get the reader’s attention. A funny poster is more likely to stand out than a boring one and can also help effectively communicate your message.
Of course, using humor in your poster design is not without its challenges. You must ensure that your poster is still readable and that the mood is appropriate for your target audience. But if you can find the right balance, comedy can attract people’s attention.
A great example is this poster I created that is entirely sarcastic and perfectly suitable for my audience. I knew that many of them were designers and that addressing Comic Sans (arguably the ugliest and most made fun of font among designers) would resonate with them.
Who is your target audience? What type of humor would they resonate with?
34) Give it a human touch with a handwritten font
Credit: Pure Typography
The primary font you choose can significantly impact how your poster is received.
For example, a handwritten font can help you appear more genuine and approachable. This is because handwritten fonts convey a sense of personalization and intimacy that can be missing with other fonts.
You’ll also want to consider using the right font pairings, another excellent way to create contrast. This poster has a handwritten font, so if you were to add another font to compliment it, you’d ideally add a bold sans serif to establish effective contrast.
35) Be clear and concise by being informative
Credit: Adobe
An informative poster provides clear, concise information that quickly gets the reader’s attention.
When designing an informative poster, it’s important to include only essential information and to use simple language.
The poster above is an informative yet clear, concise, eye-catching, and creative example.
36) Emphasize keywords or phrases with a typography poster
A typography poster is a poster that uses different typefaces to create visual interest and appeal.
Typography can also be used to convey a specific message or feeling.
For example, using bold, italicized, or all-caps text can help emphasize words or phrases. Different font sizes and colors can help draw attention to some aspects of your poster design.
In this example, I’ve used organic typography close to the poster’s edges to create a sense of claustrophobia and anxiety. I’ve also used color to emphasize “pandemic” to draw attention.
If you’re wondering where to find exciting project fonts, look no further than Google Fonts or Adobe Fonts. Google Fonts are free, while Adobe Fonts are included with all paid Creative Cloud subscriptions.
If you’re willing to pay for a unique font, you can browse some type foundries and see if anything suits your fancy. Here are some of the best type foundries and a directory.
37) Grab people’s attention with a call to action
An effective poster design using a call to action includes the following:
It’s confrontational. If someone is told to take action, inevitably, this will get the viewer’s attention. This might elicit a reaction from the viewer, potentially increasing engagement on social media. People will be more likely to comment and share the poster.
In addition, a call to action gives viewers specific instructions that they can follow. This makes it more likely that viewers will take the desired action.
Motivational posters are an excellent example of this. A classic creative poster idea of this is the “I Want YOU for the U.S. Army” poster from World War ll. It’s a motivational poster encouraging people to enlist in the U.S. Army.
38) Encourage people with motivational posters
Motivation can be a crucial component when you’re trying to create a poster that will stand out.
The best poster ideas come from people who are passionate about their subject and want to share their enthusiasm with others. If you tap into that passion, it will show in your poster, making it more likely to catch people’s attention.
Of course, motivating yourself is not always easy, especially if you’re stuck. In those cases, it can help to take a step back and remind yourself why you’re doing this in the first place. What is it about your poster that you’re excited about?
People often think a motivational poster is about something sappy written in a script font. This doesn’t have to be the case.
You can motivate people in many ways depending on your audience and who you are as a person. For example, if you consider yourself spiritual like I do, design something along those lines.
Poster Template Resources
Interested in using a poster template rather than starting from scratch in Photoshop? Here are some helpful resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some ideas for a poster?
I have found endless poster ideas on Pinterest and Instagram, but here are my top five poster ideas to spark some ideas!
- Create something abstract with exciting effects and bold colors.
- Inspire and encourage others with a poster revolving around spirituality.
- Use pop culture references to catch people’s attention.
- Experiment with different typography combinations.
- Layer textures and see the interesting effects that you create.
- Design an eye-catching poster for event promotion or poster ad.
What are the best topics for a poster?
The best topics for a poster include:
- Event Posters
- Health and Wellness
- Environmental Awareness
- Arts and Culture
- Social Issues
What is good to put on a poster?
In broad terms, to make a good poster, have approximately 30% white space, dedicate 40% to the title and text, and save 30% for graphics/images.
How can I make a good poster?
To make a good poster, keep these things in mind:
- Important information is legible from a distance of approximately 10 feet.
- The title is concise and captures attention.
- The word count ranges from 300 to 800 words.
- The text is brief and straightforward.
Final Thoughts on the Best Poster Ideas
There you have it! The 35+ best creative poster ideas to take your designs to the next level. With these suggestions as starting points, you’re sure to be on your way to creating the most visually appealing design for your next poster.
Thanks for reading! I hope this helps you with your poster design ideas and graphic design projects.
