Graphic smiley face with black oval eyes and a curved stroke for a smile with accentuated cheeks

vernissage
poster

2022
Dawson College Graphic Design Vernissage poster

Art direction and design by Lauren McCarthy

Intro

Every year dawson college puts on a vernissage to help the graphic design graduates network within their field and show off their work from their 3 years in the program. They need a poster and promotional material to match to help advertise the event.

You're in good hands poster in a mockup, surrounded by colour variations. Poster of fingers twisting around eachother

Project

The goal of the poster was to represent the students' time at dawson. What could properly demonstrate a 3 year design program, and think of what could define the years 2019-2022.

We started coming up with a long list of concept ideas, and landed on wanting to spread a positive message.

fingers twisting around each other. 6 sketches of different stroke thicknesses, different types of shading, and different thumb positionings

Process

The illustration of twisting fingers was actually taken out of context from a different concept, but by putting it in colors, we created something new. We stayed away from realistic skin tones, and any details that would be associated with a specific gender, so that everyone could see themselves in this poster.

We matched it with a very common expression that includes the word hands, you're in good hands, thus spreading a positive message, good luck to your future, and good things will come.

Outcome

The outcome of this project was very successful. It was not chosen as the contest winner, which was expected knowing the selection committee was particular to typography. I was so proud of the feedback the poster got from my peers, and being able to see everyone walk by and try twisting their fingers back to the poster was a very fun response.

I particularly loved how original my poster was which made it stand out from the rest of the selections. The colors were unique but they go together so well, and the illustrated design that represents the technical side of design

You're in good hands poster. Poster of fingers twisting around each other light blue-turquoise background and peach handYou're in good hands poster. Poster of fingers twisting around each other light green background and light purple handYou're in good hands poster. Poster of fingers twisting around each other light yellow background and light blue handYou're in good hands poster. Poster of fingers twisting around each other Purple-pink background and green hand
You're in good hands poster in a mockup of a bus terminal.. Poster of fingers twisting around eachother