The Travel
Poster Project

The Travel Poster Project is an opportunity to combine the design elements of typography and illustration into a cohesive and compelling composition.

Your chosen travel location can be real or imaginary (see examples on this page). The challenge is to evoke a the culture and appeal of the place, so consider any iconic buildings or natural landmarks as well as appropriate fonts, colors and patterns.

Because this project also opens up the world of illustration, the elements of shape, value, and color will play a major role. For a sample value study project, download this sample. For a Travel Poster workflow sample, check out this Seattle Travel Poster. Note: There are a lot of stylistic options, so check out outside videos as well (like this one covering how to create a textured look.)

Assessment

As with all Pro Projects, keep in mind that your work will be assessed by:

  • Professionalism - Project is done "to spec", follows directions, and fulfills all requirements.

  • Craftsmanship - Project exhibits an admirable application of design principles, an aesthetic style, and use of app workflows.

  • Challenge - There is producible evidence that the final design underwent the entire design process and was significant challenging.

  • Originality - Project content is unique (not copied, derivative, a template, AI generated in part or whole, or a reproduction of a tutorial).

    Note: Images referencing drug use, guns, violence, hate speech, etc. are not permitted.

Process

1. Communicate

With the Travel Poster Project, start by picking a favorite location - and give yourself a client questionnaire in order to form a clear design brief.

Here are the essential question you need to ask yourself

  • What is the cultural essence of the place? how can this be made clear visually?

  • What visual elements (colors, fonts, styles, etc.) would evoke a sense of this location?)

  • What essential typography is required (location and tagline are minimum.)?

  • What illustration style best suites this cover?

2. Research

Based on your design brief, visit the following websites and conduct some related searches:

Google (related cover search)
Behance (illustration styles)
Dafont (use custom sample field)
Google Fonts (use custom sample field)
TextureLab (great, free textures)

If a cover, font, etc resonates with you, screen grab it (CMD+Shift+4 on a Mac, Win + Shift + S on a PC). After you have +20 images, drop the collective images into gomoodboard.

3. Ideate

Based on your moodboard, grab your sketchbook and draw at least 6 possible cover solutions.

From these initial 6 solutions, selected one. Flip the page over and draw 6 new variations based on the initial solution you selected.

From this second round of 6, pick your top solution.

Before you fully commit, get some feedback from classmates, family, . . . anyone you can. Listen to learn - and be open to suggestions - you might come up with an even better solution with some outside feedback.

4. Formalize

Using Illustrator, either draw from scratch or import/trace your top solution. Paying close attention smooth curves, aligned edges and other professional standards (see “Specs and Standards” below).

Specs and
Standards

 

Your cover should be setup and turned in with the following specs:

  • 11 x 17 inches

  • 2 or more typographic elements (location, tagline, etc.)

  • 2 or more illustration element (silhouettes, value studies, etc.)

  • Optional - design elements (pattern, texture, etc.)

  • RGB

  • upload .jpg files for your check-in and final submission but be sure to save your source .ai files as well.

Issues and
Guidlines

Here are some common challenges and helpful guidelines to consider for a good Travel Poster.

Consistency is the secret to creating a sense of unity. Make sure the world that you create (with objects, lighting, fonts, colors, and the illustration style) has the same look and feel.

Find and use thematically appropriate fonts. Avoid stereotypes and boring fonts.

A clean and simple solution accentuating the most iconic aspect of your location is often better than an overly busy design.

Use visual hierarchy. Emphasize the location name with scale, color, fx, etc. Consider an appropriate color palette for the location.