Looking for more information or perspectives on posters? Here are a few that we like:
- Video explaining Mike Morrison’s critique of traditional posters and his message-driven approach (20 minutes).
- Better Posters Blog — helpful commentary from Zen Faukes, author of the comprehensive “Better Posters: Plan, Design, and Present an Academic Poster” (2021).
Resources from SCP
- Developing Effective Poster Presentations was published in the newsletter of the Gerontological Society of America in 2005.
- Creating A Message-Driven Poster provides additional tips on how to use a clear concise message to structure your poster.
- The Poster Checklist can give you the basics and help you succeed in creating an effective poster.
Thoughts on Poster Production
You have done your prep work (it takes longer than you expect!), understood your message, and designed a first-rate poster. Now, how do you get a large format poster produced? Some schools have an in-house production capacity. If yours doesn’t, places like FedEx, FASTSIGNS, and AlphaGraphics often do. In all cases, the bigger the poster, the more expensive, so consider relatively smaller formats (e.g., 36″ X 48″ vs. 40″ x 80″). Also be very careful about your images, logos, and photographs. What looks fine on your computer screen can quickly become pixelated (blurry) when blown up to poster size. Use the hi-resolution versions wherever possible and ask the tech folks where you’re having your poster printed to confirm that the images are high enough quality. Color can vary widely from your computer screen to final product, so make sure there is enough contrast between your background and your text.
There are also online poster production services* that are worth a look, such as:
- PosterSession.com has a number of very generic templates, but you don’t have to use their templates to have PosterSession produce your poster and even send it directly to your meeting (we have not used the service, so can’t vouch for its reliability). They also sell poster carriers.
- MakeSigns.com has a poster tutorial that has a lot production advice, but doesn’t say much about more substantive matters. It also has very generic templates will print your poster and send it along. Prices here look very good, $53.99 for a 36” x 60” glossy poster. Shipping via FedEx is extra, and they can do everything from eight days (if you really have your ducks in a row) to overnight (you’re flailing).
- PosterPresentations.com is another similar service (out of Berkeley) with templates (clear, they do no harm). And while their prices are higher than MakeSigns, they sell their customer service harder than others (it seems to include some design consultation according to some of their testimonials). They don’t offer anything slower than 2nd day delivery, so they do sound as if they know the kind of timeframes harried academics are usually working on.
*Please note that we present these services as examples of what is available. This should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation.
