Your Story Poster Lesson Plan Your Story, Your Poster
Lesson Plan • 12th Grade Graphic Design
30 Minute Session
Objective
Students will design a movie poster using Adobe Illustrator, incorporating design elements and principles to create an effective visual communication piece.
Why This Matters
"This project allows students to apply practical software skills and theoretical design knowledge to a real-world scenario, fostering creativity and critical thinking in visual communication."
Materials
Adobe Illustrator
Computer Workstation
Project Guide
Design Rubric
Slide Deck
Prep & Setup (15 Minutes)
Review Project Guide & Design Rubric
Ensure Illustrator is installed and functioning
Familiarize with Slide Deck content
Gather example posters for inspiration
Instructional Flow
Introduction & Project Overview
5 MIN
Begin with the hook: "What makes a movie poster grab your attention?" (2 min). Introduce project using Slide Deck, highlighting the graphic designer's role. (3 min).
Deep Dive into Design
10 MIN
Walk through requirements (taglines, imagery, typography, billing block) using the Project Guide. Review key Illustrator tools: Text, Shape, and Image placement.
Brainstorm & Sketch
5 MIN
Students brainstorm movie ideas, themes, and imagery. Encourage quick thumbnail sketches to visualize concepts before moving to software.
Illustrator Work Session
10 MIN
Students create 11x14" canvas. Circulate and provide support. Ensure students are referring to the Project Guide for all technical requirements.
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Optional
Share initial ideas or challenges. Remind students of the Thursday deadline and rubric criteria.
Movie Poster Slide Deck Your Story,
Your Poster! 🎬
Designing Your Animated Movie Poster
Today's Objective
Design a captivating movie poster using Adobe Illustrator, applying your knowledge of design principles and software skills.
What Makes a GREAT Movie Poster?
What catches your eye?
What makes you curious?
How does it tell a story without words?
You're the
Graphic Designer!
You're tasked with creating the official movie poster for a brand-new animated film. This is your chance to shine!
Project Requirements
Tagline (Catchy Phrase)
Engaging Imagery
Opening Date
At least 2 Actors/Actresses
Credit / Billing Block
Studio Logo
MPAA Rating + Spanish Translation!
Setting Up in Illustrator
1
Open Adobe Illustrator
2
Create a New Document
3
Set dimensions to 11 x 14 inches
Design Principles
Composition
How elements are arranged on the page.
Hierarchy
What stands out the most to the viewer?
Color Theory
Using color to evoke specific moods and emotions.
Typography
Choosing fonts for style and perfect readability.
Brainstorming
What's your movie about?
Think of genre, mood, and characters.
Main Character Traits?
What visual icons represent them?
Key Imagery?
What captures the "vibe" of your story?
Pro Tip
Quickly sketch your ideas on paper first!
Ready, Set,
DESIGN!
Use your Illustrator skills and design knowledge to create a poster that makes everyone want to see your movie!
Due: Thursday
Movie Poster Project Guide Project Guide
Your Story, Your Poster
You've been hired to create the official movie poster for the newest animated film hitting theaters. Showcase your creativity and Adobe Illustrator skills.
Designer Name
Project Due Date
Thursday
01
Brainstorm Your Movie
Concept & Genre
What is it about? Comedy, adventure, fantasy, or sci-fi?
Theme & Mood
Wonder, humor, mystery, or excitement?
02
Technical Setup
Width
11"
Height
14"
Color Mode
CMYK
Software
Ai
04
Design Considerations
Composition & Balance
Arrange elements to guide the eye and create a focal point.
Visual Hierarchy
Make the title the most prominent, followed by imagery.
Color Theory
Use palettes that match the mood of your genre.
Typography
Ensure fonts match the tone and remain highly legible.
Poster Checklist
Movie Title
Catchy Tagline
Themed Imagery
Opening Date
2+ Voice Actors
Credit Billing Block
Studio Logo
MPAA Rating + Spanish
Rating Translations
G: Para todos los públicos
PG: Se sugiere la guía paterna
PG-13: Advertencia a los padres: material inapropiado para menores de 13 años
R: Requiere acompañamiento de padre o tutor adulto
Concept Sketch / Thumbnail Space Movie Poster Design Rubric Design Rubric
Project: Your Story, Your Poster
Due Date
THURSDAY
Student Name
Date Graded
Total Score
/ 100
Criteria 4 - Exceeds 3 - Meets 2 - Approaching 1 - Below Creativity & Originality
(20%)
| Highly original, exceptionally creative vision. Captures significant interest. | Creative and original. Captures interest. | Some creativity but lacks strong unique vision. | Unoriginal or lacks any discernible creativity. |
|
Design Elements
(25%)
| Expert application of composition, hierarchy, color, and type. Seamless harmony. | Effective application of design principles. Most elements work well. | Inconsistent application. Disorganized or less impactful. | Poor application. Confusing or unattractive result. |
|
Required Components
(25%)
| All 8+ components are accurate and perfectly integrated into the design. | All components present and mostly accurate. Integrated well. | Most components present. Some missing or poorly integrated. | Multiple components missing or entirely absent. |
|
Illustrator Skills
(20%)
| Advanced proficiency. Professional quality vectors and precise execution. | Good proficiency. Well-executed with clean elements. | Some understanding but unpolished with visible errors. | Lacks basic proficiency. Numerous technical flaws. |
|
Overall Impact
(10%)
| Memorable and professional. Strongly appeals to target audience. | Engaging and professional. Communicates movie's essence. | Some impact but struggles to communicate mood/appeal. | Ineffective. Fails to communicate or appeal to audience. |
Instructor Feedback & Notes
Strengths
Areas for Growth
4 = 90-100% 3 = 80-89% 2 = 70-79% 1 = <70%