Poster Design Resources
Here are some useful resources that you can use when creating project or informational posters for SSRD and classes.
Typical poster sizes:
- 24 inches x 36 inches (portrait) or 36 inches x 24 inches (landscape)
- 36" x 48" (portrait) or 48" x 36" (landscape)
Graphic Design tips
- Collected graphic design tutorials within this guide
- Contrast! Make sure there is significant contrast of dark and light for your poster background, text, and images. Dark text will not be visible against a dark background – use a dark background with light text or a light background behind dark text.
- Fonts – use "clean" fonts that are clear and easy to read.
- Font size – for readability, body font on your poster should be at least 30 pt. 30-36 pt is a good range for body text. Titles can be much larger.
- Less is more! Don't crowd your poster. We suggest including the minimum you need to make your point (think your thesis, key points, and list of sources) and creating a Google site for all your extra materials. You can link to your website from a QR code on your poster.
- Accessibility: check out Yale Library's guide to accessibility in printed posters
- DLS staff are available to help you! Stop by the help desk at Ford 101 8am-5pm Monday-Friday.
Graphic design programs
Willamette University graphics, colors, logos
- WU Marketing (log in through MyWillamette to access the files)
Public domain materials
- Photographs, vector art, music, sound effects, and more
Printing your poster – your class may be printing posters together as a group, ask your instructor. If not, you can print your poster individually. Contact Willamette University's Print Services if you want to print on campus. If you are printing with them, be sure to:
- send your poster as a pdf
- submit your print request at least 2 days before you need your poster (for SSRD, by the Friday before the Wednesday of SSRD)
More tips!
- The Biology department's MyWillamette Student Resources page has tips on science-specific posters > Poster Design Tips.
