Principles and Techniques of Veterinary and AH Extension

Poster

EXERCISE-7: PREPARATION OF POSTERS

• Poster is a visual combination of bold design, colour and message to catch and hold the attention of the passerby long enough to implant or to reinforce the significant idea in his mind.
• Example: Detail from the poster showing a village that practices good animal husbandry practices.

Aim

• To create awareness about the extension programme.
• To communicate to a passerby.
• To implant very quickly in a viewers mind or to make him recall a single important idea.
• To motivate people to act by repeated reminders.

Principle

• Posters are simple graphic representations with the greatest possible impact. As an advertising medium, they arrest the eye and the mind, remind the public of a message. Posters generally contain three main features namely
  • They announce a purpose,
  • They set conditions and
  • They recommend action.
• Posters should be attractive, brief and clear and this is the ABC principle of poster. A hand drawn poster may be used in training programmes, group meetings, farmers day, etc. printed posters may be used in large numbers in campaigns, exhibitions, etc.

Materials / facilities required

• For hand made posters, paperboards, poster colours, pencil, eraser, scale and good brushes are needed.
• For printed posters computer, litho offset press are required.

Planning

• Decide on the theme of the poster and identify the key points.
• Decide on the size of the poster (10”x 15”, 15”x 20”, 18”x 22”, 20”x 30”, 22”x 28”), caption, illustrations and the colours to be used.
• Based on the availability of funds decide on the number of copies to be produced.
• Keep in mind the date by which the posters are to be made ready.

Preparation

• Prepare a number of dummies, small but proportional to the actual size
• Ensure a balance between words and picture. The pictures should be bold without much detail.
• Put the caption in one line.
• Follow optical spacing of the letters.
• Select the best layout and make some sets of colour combinations. The picture and letters must make a contrast with the background.
• Select the best colour combination. Engage an artist if required.
• Consult a press manager and decide on the economic production of the posters.
• If only a few hand drawn posters are needed make pencil sketches and then colour the poster on a thick chart paper.

Presentation

• Put hand drawn posters in well-lighted places where the visitors are likely to assemble or pass through.
• For printed posters, ensure timely dispatch.
• Display printed posters at prominent places in time. In important places put up a number of posters closely to produce mass effect.

Follow-up

• Watch reaction of the audience.
• Ensure availability of inputs and services and commensurate with the message in the posters.