There is no limit to the type of poster you can create, except for which types will pay.
Making art for posters is fun, because you have a large space to work with, no matter what your medium is. In fact, making the art for the posters isn't any more difficult than making any other form of art. Getting to be a paid poster artist presents the real challenge. There are a number of channels into the occupation, but they all begin with the same thing: a passion for visual art and a talent for quickly grabbing the eye.
Instructions
1. Build a portfolio of posters by designing large posters in the medium of your choice. This may be photography, drawing, painting, collage or cut-and-paste graphic design.
2. Notice how the eye bounces between the woman's smile and the "C" of "Champagne."
Develop your art style according to the conventions of poster art. Study how the eye moves across a large poster, and what will and won't keep a viewer's attention. You can bend the rules later in the game, but at first, stick to the basic principles.
3. Be sure your card --- and your appearance --- portray your art style.
Make business cards that state you do freelance art. Speak to the owners of nightclubs and other business that use posters to advertise, show them your portfolio, hand out your card and be prepared to make a poster for the business if asked.
4. Keep copies of the posters you design for businesses, and turn them into your professional online portfolio.
5. Begin to advertise yourself as a freelance poster artist, looking up jobs on various freelance sites. Another option is to begin to apply for jobs with public relations and advertising companies as a graphic designer. Finally, you can make submissions to graphic arts companies that seek out poster art, such as those found with an "Artist's Market" subscription, or companies recommended by other artists. Be sure to follow submissions guidelines exactly, and to choose companies that are seeking your particular style.
