Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Good Design, Not-So-Good Design

Good Design



Here we've got two movie posters that represent some good design, and some not-so-good design.
For good design, we have the iconic poster for Raiders of the Lost Ark.  This film is a classic.  You can tell from Indiana Jones' kinetic power stance that this is going to be an adventure film.  It also takes place in the Middle East, which is illustrated by the design's sand-blown appearance.  The proximity of the supporting cast's portraits (each with dramatic lighting) frame Jones as the center of attention, and you've got subtle motifs near the edges that represent elements in the story, too, such as snakes and ancient temple designs.  They gather around the edge of the frame in a circular motion, creating continuity for the eye.

Not-so-good Design

In terms of not-so-good design, we've got the poster for The Last Crusade, the third Indiana Jones film.  The poster includes closure in terms of framing in a loose photo of Jones facing the audience.  There isn't much to stay in terms of continuity because the eye doesn't have very far to go--Jones is kind of boxed into a smaller frame within the poster.  The white border also clashes with the warm tones of the inner photo.  Overall, this design feels restrictive and stifled.