Marketing 101: More Examples of Posters, With Commentary

There are a multitude of ways to get the word out when you have an event. One tactic that is often effective is postering. Many local hotspots and warm-spots have bulletin boards where performers and others can announce their gigs or their goods. Wussow's in West Duluth is one of these. 

In April I published a post titled The Perfect Ad and Several Other Event Promotions @ Wussow's in which I shared examples of posters that I found effective, and explained what I liked about them. Here's another batch, with commentary.

The Open Mic poster above features a large, bold image that tells the story. It has no non-essential information. This is a weekly event that takes place on Wednesdays. The distinctive Wussow's logo says all you need to know. This is the place, this is the time. If you need any further information, you know who to ask.

This one is interesting. The photo tells you that this guy is about energy. And he must be popular because the Monday tickets are already sold out. I don't know who he is, but I get a feel about his music by the image selected for this event poster.

This is the only poster that I feel lacks something important.

What time do they play? I'm guessing it's probably after school because on the third Thursday evening of the month Wussow's hosts its Spoken Word event. You wouldn't know it from this poster, so you'll have to ask someone. 

Generally, the way Jason creates his event posters is by obtaining an image or images from the performer. Occasionally, performers fail to provide an image and Jason has to select something on his own. In this case, Jason used an intriguing photo of his dog, which is funny because one of the favorite local bands here is called New Salty Dog and there is no saltwater here within a thousand miles. 

No real harm though. The photo is interesting enough to engage you visually so that it stands out from the rest. If you are in the business of creating posters for your events, spend some time thinking through who you are and what kind of image would best reflect what you are all about. Include your logo and only what is pertinent. If it involves buying tickets, or other additional info, you can add the URL for your website and speak directly: FOR MORE INFORMATION....

Looks like fun. 

Born Too Late is a group of local young people who love the music of the 60s, hence the key element in this design is the yellow prong we used with our 45s to play singles on a turntable record player. I like the lightning bolts coming out of the yellow thingy. (What was that called? Please leave a comment if you know.) I have mixed feelings about the fonts in this poster, but it does communicate. The kids are getting more growed up since I last saw them before the pandemic. They were talented then and I'll bet their even tighter now.

This one is not a Wussow's event. It was on the bulletin boards on the other side of the entrance from where non-Wussow's event notices are placed. We always post one of our Dylan Fest posters here. I like this one because it's thought-provoking. Live deliberately. Live intentionally. Live!

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