Typography of an Inspirational Poster

Variations in Size Provide Contrast and Interest

A simple serif font gets a boost from over-sized initial caps and other typographic treatments. (See full page layout.)

Poster features simple typographic treatment including serif fonts, initial caps, and centered text.

Don't Quit by Anonymous; Inspirational poster made in China.

1 The title of the poem is made much more visually interesting because of its size, which shows off the roughened edges. There is also a white drop shadow around the title which lifts it slightly off the page.
2 The title serves as part of the framing of the poem and provides great contrast between the title and the rest of the text. The lines under the words and eliminating the space between the two words helps it do its framing job more effectively.
3 Each verse of the poem begins with a raised initial cap, an over-sized letter that sits on the baseline with the rest of the line. Not too obtrusive, they help lead the reader into the poem but also give a touch more visual weight to the text.
4 Centered text tends to be harder to read, slowing down the reader. However, for a poem it is an acceptable method of alignment -- you want the reader to slow down and take in the meaning of the poem. Generous leading helps to make it easier to follow.

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