For this assignment we were to create a poster covering one of three travel destinations: The Great Barrier Reef, The Northern Lights, or The Grand Canyon. Each destination had six facts, three seasonal blurbs, and three body paragraphs.We had mid-way critiques, which I benefited from greatly. Then we were given the option to create a cohesive set using the other travel locations. We began with research into travel posters and informational posters. The objective of this assignment is to understand readability and legibility.

I was given The Great Barrier Reef. The designs I was most drawn to were bold, colorful, and had retro vibes. None of my sketches moved me. So I decided to start with color blocking. 

Conceptually, I tried to think about the poster as a series from the onset of the project. I wanted it to be evident in my set that I was mindful on my choices. I took screenshots of images I liked of each travel destination and then selected a range of colors that captured the feel each place. 

I haven't used brushes very often. I thought they might help me make the color blocking interesting. I tried to mimic the lines by breaking up sections of the three body paragraphs to live within the color stripes. I was not happy at this point which was our mid-way critique. 

During the critique we discussed different ways to preserve the colored stripes, while creating more interest. We decided that the graphic element of seaweed added something worthwhile. I was also advised to only use light color on a dark background if it was less than three words.

I worked really hard to make my design look fresh while adhering to my more minimalist style. I used the Complex Path and Clipping Tools to add visual interest and hierarchy to the header. I used colors from the palette I created to highlight important phrases within the facts and seasonal information. I also had my first experience using the mesh tool. I wanted the background to look like a beach. I was happy with my first poster.

I had a strong design system to use in creating the additional posters. 

I took the professors advise to use a Clipping Mask in order to utilize my concept of Atari-like lines as a design theme. I also used the Mesh Tool for the first time. And relied on building Swatch Folders. I consulted tutorials and played around when things didn't turn out like I wanted. The mesh tool was/is pretty tricky for me to get my head around. But, by the third poster, I had a clearer idea of how to use the anchor points and handles as well as drag colors to 'Boxes' or Anchor Points to get the desired effect. I also learned that adding new 'Mesh Lines' after having begun manipulating them is much more effective. 

I am very proud of this poster set. I learned a lot of technical skills. And, felt I pushed my design aesthetics into new places.