Designing a Typographic Poster with Illustrator

A course by Steffen Wagner, Graphic and Product Designer

Graphic and Product Designer. Berlin, Germany.
Joined April 2021
100% positive reviews (47)
1,648 students
Audio: German
German · Spanish · English · Portuguese · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian

Hone your knowledge of typography and composition to design a creative poster that conveys a hidden message

Graphic and product designer Steffen Wagner creates original posters and works of art using typographic compositions. In his own words, his pieces are "thoughts in frames," as they encapsulate ideas and experiences. In his work, Steffen combines typographic design with artistic elements to convey a message that speaks on multiple levels.

In this course, learn how to transform your inspiration into written messages and hone your skills in lettering, typography, and harmonious compositions. Design a typographic poster with an inspiring message by hand and then create a digital version using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

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What will you learn in this online course?

18 lessons & 19 downloads

Materials
2 minutes, 18 seconds
The grid
8 minutes, 20 seconds
Getting a feel for the letters 1
13 minutes, 20 seconds
Get a feel for the letters 2
15 minutes, 8 seconds
Work with the grid
13 minutes, 50 seconds
Colours
4 minutes, 42 seconds
  • 100% positive reviews (47)
  • 1,648 students
  • 18 lessons (2h 55m)
  • 19 additional resources (5 files)
  • Online and at your own pace
  • Available on the app
  • Audio: German
  • German · Spanish · English · Portuguese · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
  • Level: Beginner
  • Unlimited access forever

What is this course's project?

Create an original poster with a unique typographic design.

Projects by course students

Who is this online course for?

Anyone interested in typography who wants to learn how to design posters with inspiring and expressive messages.

Requirements and materials

The materials for this course include paper, pencil, a ruler, and a computer with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Basic knowledge of both programs will also be helpful, but not necessary.


Reviews

1,648 Students
47 Reviews

Steffen Wagner

Steffen Wagner
A course by Steffen Wagner

Teacher Plus
Graphic and Product Designer

Steffen Wagner is a graphic and product designer from Berlin who started drawing and painting at an early age. While studying industrial design in college, he developed an interest in graphic design, especially calligraphy and typography. Steffen went on to create the children's fashion brand IMAKID, which designs customizable clothing using different felt letters.

His interest in letters and communicative design eventually led him to his true passion: lettering and typographic posters. Steffen shares his posters on Instagram and Pinterest, and also designs logos, brand materials, and websites. His most distinguished projects include corporate designs for food companies and numerous works of art for galleries. Steffen's list of artistic influences includes Bauhaus and art styles from different time periods as well as artists like Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian, and Mark Rothko.


Content

  • U1

    introduction

    • About me
    • Influences
  • U2

    Composition and Typography

    • materials
    • The grid
    • Getting a feel for the letters 1
    • Get a feel for the letters 2
    • Work with the grid
    • Colours
  • U3

    Seeking and finding inspiration

    • Sources of inspiration
    • Mood board
    • Symbolism and hidden messaging
  • U4

    Design a typographic poster

    • From the idea to the design
    • Getting started in Illustrator 1
    • Getting started in Illustrator 2
    • Color composition in Illustrator
    • Fine-tuning in Photoshop
  • U5

    Present the design

    • Mockups
    • More options for your design
  • FP

    Final project

    • Designing a Typographic Poster with Illustrator

What to expect from a Domestika course

  • Learn at your own pace

    Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.

  • Learn from the best professionals

    Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.

  • Meet expert teachers

    Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.

  • Certificates

    Plus

    If you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.

  • Get front-row seats

    Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.

  • Share knowledge and ideas

    Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.

  • Connect with a global creative community

    The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.

  • Watch professionally produced courses

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FAQs

This course is designed for beginners with some basic knowledge as well as for advanced graphic designers. Having foundational design skills is helpful but not required. All key techniques and principles are explained step-by-step.

You’ll learn how to create typographic posters and logos, develop letters creatively, apply the Golden Ratio, use color contrasts and composition principles in practice, and take design projects from sketch to digital finish using Illustrator and Photoshop.

You’ll need basic materials like paper, pencil, ruler, cutter or scissors. For the digital part, access to Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is recommended, though similar graphic programs will also work.

The course guides you from analog sketches and grid techniques through developing your own letterforms to digital refinement and professional presentation of your designs. Hands-on projects and methods for finding inspiration are integral parts.

You’ll learn how to create analog and digital grids based on the Golden Ratio, divide spaces harmoniously, and place design elements precisely within layouts. Mathematical basics are clearly explained and applied practically.

Yes, the course covers fundamentals of color theory. You’ll learn to mix primary and secondary colors, use various color contrasts like complementary and warm-cool contrasts intentionally, and create harmonious color palettes.

You’ll discover how to transfer your design ideas onto different products, use print-on-demand platforms, and prepare and present your motifs for various target audiences.

Information about the course and certificate


Designing a Typographic Poster with Illustrator. Design course by Steffen Wagner

Designing a Typographic Poster with Illustrator

A course by Steffen Wagner
Graphic and Product Designer. Berlin, Germany.
Joined April 2021
  • 100% positive reviews (47)
  • 1,648 students