1. ASSESS YOUR NEEDS
5 MINUTES
First things first! Keep the basic requirements of your particular poster project in mind! (If you have a rubric, follow it!)

• What size does your poster board have to be?
• Who is your audience?
• How many images or sources do you have to use?
• What is your poster supposed to do? (Inform, motivate, celebrate, etc.)

2.  EQUIP YOUR POSTER MAKING WORKSPACE
5 MINUTES
Working quickly often results in a little extra mess.

• Protect your table, countertop, floor or wall with a drop cloth, a layer of newspapers, or an old sheet.
• Gather your paints, markers, crayons, colored pencils, erasers, glue, paper towels, and scissors within easy reach.

3.  WRITE AN EFFECTIVE TITLE
10 MINUTES
On a simpler, FASTER poster, the title has to multi-task even more than usual. Your poster title has to attract, inform, summarize, AND show some creative flair.

• Sum up your poster's message in bold or clever words, using a total of 8-10 letters maximum.
• Draw or use 2-3" pre-cut poster letters to make your title in a high contrast color compared to your background. Big letters are easier to read and eat up empty poster space!

4.  CHOOSE YOUR POSTER LAYOUT
10 MINUTES
This is the simplest fastest poster layout to use when pressed for time:

• Without attaching anything: Set up your poster board horizontally, with the title running across the top.
• Evenly space images across the center of your board.
• Any sub-title should run along the bottom edge of the poster.

5.  CHOOSE A POSTER BORDER
10 MINUTES
You don't have to sacrifice style to make a super-fast poster! Add a border to give your poster a finished look and show that you put some effort into it.

• Cut the outside borders of your poster with edging or regular scissors for instant design. Cuts should be in shapes that complement your poster topic.
• Alternatively, cut your entire board in a shape that reinforces your topic. (Boot, stop sign, pyramid, star, hat, globe, etc.)
• Trim the outer 2 inches of your poster with colored construction paper, wrapping paper, or foil.

6.  JAZZ IT UP
10 MINUTES
 Add visual interest to your poster with eye-catching or 3-D items that fit your poster's message.

Don't forget to raid your cabinets and junk drawers for household items which make creative add-ons:

• Glitter
• String/Twine
• Buttons
• Ribbon
• Stickers
• Foam
• Beans, nuts, macaroni, etc.
• Leaves, pebbles, twigs, etc.

7.  AFFIX TEXT AND IMAGES
10 MINUTES
This is the last step. Use care to ensure a good looking final product!

• Lay out your border, title, text, images, and add ons where you want them on the poster.
• Starting at the top, neatly glue each item in place separately.
• Protect your work in plastic wrap or an ArtSkills Poster Carrier.
• Gather your paints, markers, crayons, colored pencils, erasers, glue, paper towels, and scissors within easy reach.