After you determine the most important information, think about the imagery that will best convey your message visually. Should you use on large image, or have several small interesting shapes? Would bright colors evoke the mood or emotion that you want? Should some of the words be in very large type to be easily read?

It is also important to know what type of format will be used. What size will the poster be? How big or small? That will help you with the placement of imagery and text.

Also consider where the poster will be displayed and what size and shape it should be. Explore alternatives with thumbnails to find the most effective and dynamic visual imagery. Eliminate any superfluous detail. Work out the right size and placement for everything on the poster. Because you are usually working on a large scale, pay careful attention to balance and proportion.

A poster should:

Have type large enough to be viewed to 10-15 times your format width.

Have a simple and clear layout so your reader knows where to find the information.

Include all important information such as date, time, location, contact name and telephone number.

Have a dominate elements such as a headline or image that will quickly catch your reader's eye.

Have the most important message emphasized by size, color, or value.

Have art that is related to the message.

Have the type and imagery arranged in a logical, functional sequence.

Have bold, intense colors to enhance your message so that it can be easily seen from a distance.