How To Make a Poster for Any Occasion: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you've got some pictures you want to showcase on your wall, we're here to guide you. We'll walk you through how to make a poster, step-by-step, using your own images. We promise it's easier than it sounds, and you don't need any fancy design skills or software.

So, let's roll up our sleeves and start creating some fantastic posters together. Whether you're looking to advertise, inform, or simply decorate, we're here to help you bring your vision to life.

Main Takeaways From This Article:

• Today, it's easier to make a poster than ever before, whether you possess excessive design skills or not.

• A poster can be a great way to turn your favourite photos into home decor, spread the word about an upcoming event, or convey academic or research findings.

• We'll walk you through how to make a poster using Optimalprint's easy design editor.

• You'll discover how to create and order your next premium poster within minutes – no matter what type of poster design you want to create.

What Are Posters, and Why Should You Use Them?

As one of history's oldest means of advertising, hand-drawn posters date back hundreds of years. In the 15th century, William Caxton ushered the poster into a new era when he introduced Britain to its first printing press.

But it wasn't until the mid-19th century that French artist Jules Chéret would usher poster design into a new era by introducing the world's first colour lithograph posters. While technology has ushered in plenty of additional advertising methods since Chéret's time, the poster has remained just as popular as ever.

These days, there are many different reasons to print a poster, whether for personal or professional use. Custom posters, available in a wide range of sizes and materials, are a wonderful way to turn your favourite images into wall art.

When you create your own poster with a service like Optimalprint, you can choose from hangable posters, framed posters, and more. Then, of course, there's the professional poster, which could be anything from a business poster to a conference poster designed to convey key information.

Or you might make an event poster to advertise anything from a musical performance to a real estate sale. Unlike billboards or TV commercials, posters are an inexpensive way to grab a reader's attention and convey important information.

No matter what type of poster design you choose, Optimalprint's easy drag-and-drop poster maker has everything you need to bring it to life. Let's dive in and get started.

Step-By-Step Guide to Making Custom Posters

You can rest assured that at Optimalprint, all our posters are printed on the same premium-quality paper used by professional designers. But the best part is that our poster creator features easy editing tools that make it easy to start creating your poster design immediately.

Below, we'll walk you through a step-by-step guide to how to make a poster with Optimalprint's online poster maker. Whether you start from scratch or use one of our many available templates, we'll help you create a custom poster that stands out.

1. Identify the Purpose of Your Poster

Before you begin the poster design process, take a moment to stop and consider what it is you want your poster to accomplish. If you plan to create a keepsake or decor poster using your own photos, this step will likely be a lot easier, and you can go ahead and skip down to the next!

But if you're creating a business or event poster, then there are a few more things you'll need to consider. Ask yourself questions such as:

• What's the goal of your poster?

• What are the most important details the poster design should convey?

• Who is the audience?

• Where will the poster be placed?

• Do you plan to print a poster that features text boxes only?

• Or do you want to incorporate stock images or design elements into your poster designs?

Rest assured that, at this point, there's no need to get incredibly specific about your poster content. Initially, it's more about ensuring you gather all the key elements you want to include in your poster design.

2. Choose the Right Poster Size and Orientation

Now that you've got a better idea of your design elements, head over to the Optimalprint poster page. This is where you'll begin the poster design process by choosing between multiple formats and poster size options.

On the right-hand side of your screen, click on the drop-down orientation menu to choose whether you'd like to print your poster vertically (portrait), horizontally (landscape), or in a square shape. Not sure which to choose?

Most posters for informational or professional use favour a portrait orientation (longer than wider). But if you plan to make a poster design for personal or academic use, you'll generally enjoy a bit more creative freedom.

After you select the orientation of your choice, proceed to the size menu, where you can choose from a wide range of sizes, from 13 x 18 cm up to 70 x 100 cm.

Choosing the right size for your poster is crucial as it affects the visibility and overall impact of your design. A key aspect of selecting the right size is considering its intended purpose and display location. You must determine if the poster will be hung on a wall, displayed on a bulletin board, or used as a handout. The choice of size might differ depending on the purpose. For instance, a poster for a bulletin board might need to be smaller than one for a wall display, while a handout should fit comfortably in the hand and be easy to transport.

Additionally, you should assess the available space and constraints in the display area. Is it a large wall in a spacious room or a small, crowded bulletin board? Understanding these factors will guide you in selecting the best possible size for your poster, ensuring that it's fit for purpose and can be effectively displayed in the designated area. Always remember that the right size can enhance your poster's appeal and maximise its impact, helping it to achieve the desired outcome.

If you want to include a frame with your poster, simply scroll down and select the frame material of your choice from the next menu on the page – if not, select "none." If you're creating a square poster design, you'll also have the option to choose from several types of wood poster hangers. After you've made your selections, click the "personalise" button to start developing your poster design.

3. Pick a Poster Layout or Template

After clicking the "personalise" button, you'll find yourself in Optimalprint's poster design editor. If you plan to print a poster using images alone, follow these simple instructions to use our easy drag-and-drop poster editor.

On the left-hand side of your screen, you'll find three different tabs:

• Files

This is where you can add images and any other graphic design elements you want to use. Simply click the icon and upload your elements from your device, Google Photos, Facebook, Instagram, or Dropbox.

Make sure to use high-resolution, premium images with a DPI of at least 300. Hubspot offers a list of great resources that can help you resize an image file without losing quality.

• Layouts

The layouts tab is where you can choose from one of our many template options. As each template appears on your screen, drag and drop your uploaded images into the sections of your choice.

Want to add images or elements you've yet to upload? Click the + icons in each section to upload additional choices.

• Formats

If you change your mind about poster size, orientation, or frame options, click the formats icon. Select the new option of your choice, and your poster design will automatically adjust accordingly.

As you arrange your design elements in the template, you can edit each section by clicking on the photo and selecting "done" from the top menu. Several editing options will appear, including the ability to crop, flip, scale, or adjust each image.

Once you've perfected your custom poster design, add it to your cart, and you're all done! Proceed to the checkout window to enjoy fast and reliable shipping on every order.

4. Create Posters From Classic Artwork

Want to deck out your walls in gorgeous artwork without spending a fortune? Be sure to check out our Studio Selection wall art.

There you'll find a collection of expert-curated art and photographs, each of which is available to print as a premium paper poster or high-quality canvas. Choose from the works of famous artists, ranging from Monet to Balazs Solti.

Or browse for the perfect poster for your needs by category. From photography and abstract art to inspirational messages and kid's decor, you'll find the perfect poster design for everyone.

Select the right poster size for your space, complete with a range of optional frame choices. Whether you want to upgrade your space or are searching for an exceptional gift, our Studio Selection poster collection will not disappoint.

5. Save and Buy Your Poster

If you've successfully harnessed your creativity to design a photo poster or one of our distinctive birth posters with the help of Optimalprint's user-friendly design editor, the final step is a breeze. Simply save your finished masterpiece to your basket, and you're all set! Your design is now ready to be turned into a physical poster that can adorn your space or be shared with others.

At Optimalprint, our commitment to efficiency, speed, and sustainability is unwavering. We have established collaborations with an extensive network of local printers to ensure that your posters reach you swiftly and reliably. This approach not only reduces shipping times but also minimises our carbon footprint, making the process more eco-friendly.

Above all, customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. To this end, all our products come backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This means if you encounter any issues or are unsatisfied with the final product for any reason, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our dedicated customer service team will be more than happy to assist you in resolving any concerns, ensuring your experience with Optimalprint is as positive as possible.

Design and Print Stunning Posters With Optimalprint

No matter if you're looking to materialise a detailed poster to present your ideas convincingly or transform cherished memories into enduring wall decor, Optimalprint simplifies the entire process. With our intuitive design editor and a plethora of template options, you can effortlessly tailor the perfect photo poster design that echoes your personal style and message.

Perhaps you already have a preconceived design in mind? In such cases, Optimalprint allows you to print your pre-designed poster on our high-quality, eco-friendly paper, ensuring the end product is not only visually appealing but also sustainably produced.

Living in a mobile-first era, we understand the importance of being able to create on the go. This is why we offer the Optimalprint app. With a few taps on your smartphone, you can craft an engaging poster from anywhere, anytime, bringing convenience to your fingertips.

At Optimalprint, our aim is to provide you with the tools you need to bring your vision to life. Our vast repository includes thousands of templates, sizes, and designs, ensuring you're never short of inspiration or choices. No matter what your poster requirements are, we're confident you'll find something that fits the bill perfectly.

So why wait? Visit our poster design page today, start customising your poster, and embark on a creative journey that is as satisfying as the end result. At Optimalprint, we're excited to be part of your poster creation process, from conception to completion.