Posters evolution and use in recent society
Posters are paper prints designed to communicate ideas quickly
in a graphical manner. They are basically reproductions that are
multiplied in large quantities with a lower grade of paper and
inks.
Posters come in various shapes and sizes and serve for a wide
range of purposes. Ever since the beginning, they proved to be a
very powerful means of expression, continuously evolving to
satisfy the growing needs of modern society.
The term "poster" has a long history behind it and comes from
the ancient practice of "posting" messages in public places.
Text posters were the first to appear and they were basically
used to transmit information in an effective way.
Centuries ago, posters were used for advertising theatrical
plays, informing the masses about political changes, as well as
for promoting government proclamations or announcing meetings
and public events. Due to their growing popularity and low
production costs, posters quickly became a frequent tool for
advertisers, propagandists, protestors and many other groups.
By the end of the 19th century, technological progress allowed
the development of new production methods such as colour
lithography, which revolutionized poster production. Plain text
posters were replaced by graphical, illustrated colour
printings. The possibility of printing in bright, vivid colours
gained interest from many artists who quickly transformed
posters into works of art.
Combining valuable information with expressive graphical symbols
or logos, artistic printings had an even bigger impact upon the
targeted public.
Due to their success, pictorial printings drew the attention of
advertising agencies and rapidly became a common means of
publicity. The film industry for example, considerably increased
profits after adopting this kind of advertising. Commercial
printings featuring subjects such as music and film stars,
sports figures or political characters were successfully
introduced to the public.
Promotion of limited or open-edition posters gained even more
interest from collectors and fans.
Illustrated printings were also used for propaganda during the
First and the Second World Wars, or in the late 60's. Propaganda
posters inoculated political ideals and various reactions to the
masses. Recruiting through the means of such posters became
extremely common and many of them remained in the national
consciousness for long periods of time. Well promoted communist
slogans, for example, have broken all barriers of time and they
still persist in modern society.
Nowadays, posters are the trademark of all businesses and can be
printed on almost any surface. Technological progress has
improved and high quality prints can be realized with minimum
effort and maximum efficiency.