The poster should be legible from six to 10 feet away. Place your main message in the center, slightly toward the top. Secondary information text blocks, in smaller letters, should follow the pattern people use when reading. Place the first one in the top left area of the poster, followed by the top right, bottom left and bottom right as needed. Keep your message concise.
Colors that clash may take away from your message. Choose a color scheme such as primary colors, warm colors, complementary colors or cool colors to add eye appeal and cohesiveness. Add color accents with pieces of background paper, paint splatters, colored lettering or borders.
Use colored tape, bulletin board border, strips of metallic or print paper or markers. If you make the border from paper, use craft scissors to give it an interesting edge. Attach the border and any other items with rubber cement or scrapbooking adhesives. If drawing a border, use metallic markers in two colors and draw wavy or zigzag lines around the edges of the poster.
Keep lettering in only two or three sizes and font styles, whether drawing by hand or using a computer. Make the main message in a larger size and distinct color or style. Consider printing the letters out on brightly colored or designed paper; cut around them; and attach with glue. Alternatively, use foam stickers for colorful letters that add dimension. For an added touch, use glitter glue. Teacher stores offer a variety of pre-cut letters.
The main graphic on your poster should reinforce its message. Computer graphics, stickers, personal photos and magazine cutouts all provide suitable material. To draw extra attention to the graphic, set it on colored, metallic or glitter paper. Highlight photos with glitter glue or markers to create a mini border.
Enhance your poster with unusual details from the scrapbooking department of a discount or hobby store. While you do not want to overwhelm the poster with too many different objects, find a few to add a whimsical touch or elaborate on your subject. Add miniature shells to a poster about marine biomes, foreign coins to a poster about another land, or sponges to a poster for a car wash.