Ad Redesign
Original Ad
I selected this postcard advertising a local community event. It contains all of the important information needed to promote the event (title, date and time, venue, host, sponsors, charitable purpose, and donation information) and a vibrant color palette which successfully communicates the energy and personality of the event.
However, I chose to redesign the advertisement because the large amount of information competes for the viewer's attention. While all of the necessary details are present, there is little visual hierarchy to guide the eye, making it difficult to quickly identify the most important information. Multiple focal points, crowded spacing, and inconsistent alignment create visual clutter and reduce readability. My redesign will focus on improving emphasis, proximity, alignment, contrast, and repetition to create a clearer and more engaging user experience while preserving the event's vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.
My Process and Thoughts
While messy, the mind map helped me organize my ideas before beginning the redesign process. I explored the event's audience, purpose, themes, visual elements, and the design principles that I have been learning about (including contrast, alignment, proximity, repetition, and emphasis).
The thumbnail sketches allowed me to quickly explore multiple layout options before committing to a final design. Each concept experimented with different approaches to the design principles:
1. Using a mirror motif to represent the idea of an alter ego and transformation. Emphasis is placed on the central image while related information is grouped using proximity.
2. Here I looked at separating imagery and information into two columns to improve alignment and readability. The layout creates a clearer visual hierarchy than the original advertisement.
3. This concept prioritizes the event's fundraising goal by emphasizing the QR code and donation information. Proximity helps organize related content into clear sections.
4. This concept uses stage lighting and a central focal point to draw attention to the event title and featured performer. Contrast and emphasis would help guide the viewer through the design.
5. This concept visually represents the theme of transformation through a divided composition. Alignment and contrast create balance while reinforcing the event's alter ego theme.
Creating several variations helped me evaluate which layouts communicated the event information most effectively.
Curating and assembling the mood board provided visual inspiration for the redesign by exploring themes of transformation, self-expression, and performance. The selected images influenced my choices for color, typography, imagery, and overall mood. While I was trying to keep the original vibe of the postcard, these references helped establish a cohesive visual direction while supporting the event's energetic and celebratory atmosphere.