Posters for Amnesty
VISUAL DESIGNER • DIGITAL DESIGN
Torture, Detention, and Armed Conflcits
CONTRIBUTION
Visual Designer
SKILLS
Visual Design
TOOLS
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Phototshop
TIMELINE
9/2023
2 weeks
OVERVIEW
Amnesty International's goals, critical but not widely understood, faced communication challenges. The problem was the lack of compelling visual material that could convey these issues seriously and powerfully. To address this, I developed a series of three posters, each representing a different Amnesty goal, designed to be serious yet engaging, enhancing the goals' accessibility and impact on the audience.
DELIVERABLES
A Series of 3 Posters
In this project, I designed a series of three posters for Amnesty International, each distinct yet unified in style to effectively communicate various human rights goals. The design strategy involved playing with different elements while maintaining a consistent visual theme across all posters. This approach not only ensures coherence in the message delivery but also allows for creative exploration within a unified framework, making each poster both individually impactful and part of a cohesive set.
CONTEXT
Torture, Detention, and Armed Conflicts
For the context of my poster series, I selected Torture, Detention, and Armed Conflicts as themes due to their significant yet often overlooked impact in global human rights discussions. These topics are crucial yet challenging to address; they are known internationally but frequently lack the deeper understanding and attention they require. By focusing on these specific issues, the aim was to shed light on their severity and the urgent need for awareness and action, contributing to a more informed and empathetic international society.
PROBLEM
DEFINITION
Visual Simplicity
The complex nature of topics like Torture, Armed Conflicts, and Detention requires a design approach that simplifies these issues for general understanding, without diminishing their severity.
Engagement Challenge
These human rights issues often fail to engage a wider audience due to a lack of relatable visual content, necessitating creative solutions to capture attention and provoke thought.
PROCESS
30 Initial Sketches
I kicked off with brainstorming and created 30 sketches. It was a mix of letting ideas flow and figuring out what might click. This stage was all about variety and pushing the boundaries of my creativity.
InDesign Adventures
Then, I dived into InDesign. It was my first time using it, so I tried different shapes and played with typography. It was about learning and seeing how my sketches could evolve into something more.
Two Poster Styles
I experimented with two styles for the posters. One was like kid's drawings but with a strong message, and the other was more traditional, focusing on typography. It was about finding the right balance between being serious and engaging.
Typography and Colors
For the fonts, I chose Kohinoor Telugu; it’s modern and easy to read. For colors, I went with black, red, and white - black for depth, red for urgency, and white for clarity.
Final Adjustments
The last part was refining every little thing. I adjusted the spacing, made sure the colors were just right, and that every word fitted perfectly. It was about polishing everything to make sure the posters could really speak to the audience.
OUTCOME
Visual Elements
The first poster showcases a visually arresting design where letters take the form of a man hanging from the ceiling, creating a stark and thought-provoking image. In the second poster, against a black background, the word "HELP" is written in white letters, intersected by red bars. This simple yet powerful design symbolizes the concept of detention, with the red bars starkly contrasting against the black and white, creating a sense of urgency and entrapment. The third poster cleverly manipulates typography, where the letter 'A' in "peace" shifts to replace the 'A' in "war," visually representing the fragile transition between peace and conflict.
Text Content
The first poster is devoid of explicit text, relying solely on its impactful visual narrative. The second poster uses the word "HELP" as a bold cry for attention, resonating with the theme of unjust detention and the desperate need for intervention. The third poster plays on the words "peace" and "war," a simple yet profound alteration that speaks volumes about the ease with which societies can oscillate between these two extremes.
Theme/Message
Each poster communicates a compelling theme in line with Amnesty International's focus. The first poster graphically represents the horrors of torture, using imagery to evoke emotional responses. The second poster, with its stark "HELP" message and symbolic bars, serves as a poignant reminder of the reality of wrongful detention and the universal need for aid in such situations. The third poster's subtle shift of letters from "peace" to "war" underscores the importance of maintaining peace and the dangers of escalating into conflict.
Theme/Message
Each poster communicates a compelling theme in line with Amnesty International's focus. The first poster graphically represents the horrors of torture, using imagery to evoke emotional responses. The second poster, with its stark "HELP" message and symbolic bars, serves as a poignant reminder of the reality of wrongful detention and the universal need for aid in such situations. The third poster's subtle shift of letters from "peace" to "war" underscores the importance of maintaining peace and the dangers of escalating into conflict.
KEY
TAKEAWAYS
Mastery of Grids and Layouts
This project was instrumental in honing my skills in grids and layouts, crucial elements in the field of visual design. I learned to effectively organize content, ensuring not only aesthetic appeal but also functional clarity. This knowledge formed the backbone of my design approach, allowing me to create visually coherent and compelling posters.
Experimentation with Typeface
The project provided me with a valuable opportunity to experiment with different typefaces, exploring how they can dramatically alter the tone and impact of a design. This experimentation broadened my understanding of typography as a powerful tool in conveying messages and emotions, enhancing my ability to craft designs that resonate with audiences.
First Step into Visual Design
As my first foray into visual design, this project was pivotal in establishing my confidence in the field. It was a journey of discovery and learning, where I challenged myself and explored various design principles. The experience has ignited a passion for visual design within me, encouraging me to delve deeper into this creative domain.
Development of Personal Style
Engaging in this project allowed me to begin developing my unique style. By blending learned techniques with personal creativity, I was able to create designs that not only fulfilled the project's objectives but also reflected my individual artistic sensibilities.
Closing Acknowledgment
I extend my deepest gratitude to my professor, Brett Yasko, and TA, Jessica Lai, for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this project. Their expertise and insights have been fundamental in shaping my journey in visual design, and I am profoundly thankful for their mentorship!