The History of Posters and its Evolution

Posters are the trend for many years when it comes to promoting an idea, product, service, or event to the public. Posters usually contain texts and graphics to make them attractive to people. These days, posters can be for different reasons. The history of posters has helped shape what they are today. They are used as advertisements, wall decorations, and others. Posters are used to reproduce famous works of artists to decorate the walls

How it all began

Posters have been on display for public viewing for over 200 years. Poster prints are designed to catch the attention of anyone. They are usually displayed to make people aware of political views, promote certain products or services, and invite people to events. The modern posters that we know today can be traced back to the mid-nineteenth century when printing technology was improved with color lithography.

Over the years, posters became recognized as an art form that attracted artists of different levels. Poster art comes in different styles, such as Art Nouveau, Symbolism, Cubism, Art Deco, and Bauhaus. During the early days of poster making, it was observed that they appear in pure texts. The history of posters even showed its evolution. The appearance changed with the invention of lithography in 1796 which was followed by chromolithography. It was then that posters in vibrant colors were mass-produced and patronized by the public.

The age of poster prints

Posters were widely used in Europe by the 1890s. They were mostly used in advertising any product. Poster artists like Albert Guillaume, Leonetto Cappiello, and Henri Thiriet are known for their art form that was used in magazines for advertising and political purposes. It was different though in the United States. The advent of the traveling circus brought vibrant posters to announce their arrival. 

It was during the end of the First World War that illustrated posters were widely used for recruitment and commercial uses. During the Second World War, posters were distributed by the USA and were displayed in post offices. The purpose was to provide information on the distribution of supplies like gasoline and food.

Different poster designs

Many of us are aware that posters are used for many reasons. Manufacturers and different businesses use posters to advertise their products or services. Posters are also used in the film, music, and tourism industries. 

Posters were used to recruit servicemen during World War 1 and World War 2. You can still see these types of posters these days as souvenir items. They were also used as a tool for propaganda and motivation. 

The film and television industry likewise depended on the use of posters. Vibrantly colored posters of major films also became some of the favorite collectibles. These kinds of posters even worth a fortune these days for collectors. 

The hospitality and tourism industry advertises and promotes different travel destinations with colorful and artistic prints. These posters feature famous travel destinations to attract guests and to increase the revenue of the government’s tourism and hospitality industry. In addition to these. many other industries depended on posters for their respective purposes. Examples are events, sports, entertainment, business, broadcasting, and education.