Poster design

An advertising poster is a printed visual medium designed to convey a commercial or promotional message. It is generally intended to capture the attention of a wide audience in public spaces such as streets, bus shelters, shop windows or billboards. Advertising posters combine graphic elements, punchy text and attractive visuals to convey a clear, striking message. They play an important role in marketing campaigns by creating a strong, lasting visual presence.

Advertising posters have several objectives:

Promote a product or service: They draw attention to a new product, a special offer or a flagship product.

Announcing an event : Festivals, concerts, promotions or product launches.

Strengthening brand image : By displaying high-quality visuals and consistent messages, they contribute to company or product recognition.

Target a large audience : Posters are visible to a large number of people, whether in high-traffic areas or strategic spaces.

Create immediate impact : A good design quickly catches the eye and conveys a message in seconds, ideal for an audience on the move.

The formats of advertising posters vary according to regional standards:

Worldwide (ISO formats)

The ISO 216 standard is used in the majority of countries outside North America. The most common formats are:

A0 (841 x 1189 mm) : For large posters, ideal for highly visible campaigns.

A1 (594 x 841 mm) : Common size for advertising posters in shop windows or exhibition areas.

A2 (420 x 594 mm) : Versatile format used for local posters or indoor campaigns.

In North America (ANSI formats)

The USA, Canada and Mexico use different sizes, expressed in inches:

Tabloid (11 x 17 inches or 279 x 432 mm) : Close to A3, often used for smaller promotional posters.

Ledger (17 x 11 inches or 432 x 279 mm) : Horizontal variant of Tabloid.

Arch D (24 x 36 inches or 610 x 914 mm) : Common format for cinema posters or advertising in high-traffic areas.

Specific formats

Some formats are adapted to specific uses:

Bus shelter posters: Generally 1200 x 1800 mm, they are visible from a distance.

Cinema posters: Approximately 27 x 40 inches (686 x 1016 mm) in the U.S., slightly larger in Europe.

Defining objectives and message: Clarify the purpose of the poster (promotion, information, branding) and identify your target audience.

Collaborate with a freelance designer:

Accurate brief: Provide the essential elements to the freelancer on BeFreelancr, such as logo, visuals, text and your color preferences.

Design conception: The freelancer creates a mock-up that matches your visual identity and desired message.

Validation and delivery: Once the design has been approved, the freelancer hands you the high-resolution files ready for printing.

Poster printing:

Online printing: Convenient for large-volume orders with competitive rates. You can customize finishes and receive your posters quickly.

Local printer: Ideal for getting technical advice and samples before printing, especially if you opt for premium finishes like lamination or selective varnish.

1. Graphic design by a freelance designer:

Simple posters (text and basic images): €100 to €200, depending on the freelancer's experience.

Complex posters (illustrations, premium design): €300 to €500.

2. Printing:

A2 or Tabloid formats (quantity 100 copies) : Between €50 and €150, depending on paper and finishes.

Large posters (A0 or Arch D, quantity 50 copies) : €150 to €400.

These costs can vary depending on volume, paper type (matte, glossy, recycled) and finishes chosen. A complete package (design + printing) for a typical campaign ranges from €300 to €1,000, depending on your needs.

High-traffic areas: Shopping streets, public squares or railway stations attract large numbers of people.

Bus shelters and billboards : Ideal for targeting passers-by or motorists in strategic areas.

Shop windows : Particularly effective if your poster targets a local clientele.

Events and trade shows: Helps attract the attention of visitors directly interested in your sector.

Company interiors: Posters placed in lobbies or waiting areas for B2B campaigns.

Public or cultural establishments: Libraries, cinemas or theaters are places where a poster can remain visible for longer.

The choice of locations must be strategic to maximize the impact of your campaign according to your target audience and budget.