Need ideas for this poster!

Ok, I made a poster for a company called learning to learn. So, I was wondering what should I add to this poster. It just looks so plain. Also, I will be making a better apple then that and will be adding a stem. But anyhow, I really need help so I was wondering what should I add to it so it wont looks so darn plain! Remember, it has to look educational. You have to copy and paste the link to a new browser inorder to view it.

http://nateprime.tripod.com/learningtolearn4.jpg

Hi there. I think the main reason that you're getting no replies is that you URL actually doesn't work either in the same, or different/new screen, well not on my computer...

Oh...I better fix that then. Thanx man.

when you gonna fix it???

that's strange. It works on my computer. I am not too sure what you guys are doing wrong.

Okay, first of all, go to:

http://www.flyingpillow.com/nateprime/learningtolearn2.jpg
http://www.flyingpillow.com/nateprime/learningtolearn4.jpg

It's just another case of tripod's paranoia about not reaching its banner hit quota. I've hosted them on my site and will continue to until either this post is dead or the artist requests me to.

Anyways, about the piece:

I'll lay out the things I'd change right now. I don't beleive in glazed critique, so here goes:

1. Instead of drop shadow, I would do Stroke around the red shape. I say this because i think it would give more unity to the style of the text above.
2. Obviously work on the apple a bit more, but you're on that one from what i can tell.
3. Just a technical warning: you should make sure you're working at around 300 dpi if you intend to get this poster professionally published. I've seen a lot of sad designers who slave over a project to the finest detail, only to realize that it's going to be jaggy on printout. That's actually why I tend ot work in vector via Illustrator now.
4. I know you're overlaying the logo of the group, but it does seem redundant to have the title twice on the same poster in the same style.
5. You might thing about putting some text at the bottom to balance out the composition.

That's really all I can manage, given the vague explanation of the project. Perhaps you could tell us a little more about what it's for, what it needs to say, where it will be displayed, how it will be printed, your budget, why you're doing it, etc... All these factors can influence the outcome of the project.

Lastly, you lament about the simplicity of the poster. I think the real problem is the simplicity of the composition. Since you're dissatisfied, give it a makeover! What I would recommend to you is to get out a piece of blank paper. Fill both sides with sketches of possible layots for the poster (2x3 inches or so each) Make no fewer than 20. Experiment! Add some elements that aren't in the original, as well as re-arrange the elements you already are working with. Will there be information on this poster, such as dates or times? Play around and I assure you that by the 20th sketch you will have a more interesting design somewhere on that page. Go back and find one or two that you really like. Also, if you're stumped for ideas, go find a magazine and look at what others have done to achieve specific effects in professional marketing. There is much to be learned from observation, as well as experimentation.

Anyways, I suppose that's enough critique for now, till I know more about what the project is about. Good luck, and please show us your progress!

--Tim A.

I like the idea you have for it. Similar to what Tim said, I think simplicity in itself is good, some of the most well known logos are very simple. But in this case it is a little plain, could use a little tinkering with the composition.

For me, I feel like it doesn't draw my eye to any one thing first. Neither the title nor the apple stand out. I think if you moved the title underneath, so the apple stands out first, it would look better. Try giving the apple a little more of a 3D look to it, use a little shading and highlights (to add interest), lighter color, with the edges raised maybe. you probably have already planned on doing that. I also agree you should take out the "Learning to Learn" inside the apple, and make the tree not so dark if you can.

Really all we're talking about here is some detail work on the apple (that's the main thing that's plain I think), and putting the title below the logo. That's just my take on it, of course.

Also, I personally like the look of the text you used for the title, having it just outline like that, but in this case I don't think it can compete with the darkness of the logo, so you don't really look at the title. I would try blocking in the letters so they're black and see if you notice the title more. Good luck, and let us know what you come up with.

ok, thanx guys.

Ok, I am finnaly done with the poster. It was a pain to make it since I had to use CorelDraw to make the apple. I was inspired a long time ago by a picture that I thought was preaty cool so I used the idea on the poster. Also, I set the dpi to 300 like you said Ragnarokz. Also, I want to thank you Ragnarokz and cablemotion for all the advice you both typed up for me.
Thanx.

http://nateprime.tripod.com/learningtolearn16.jpg

PS. It might look a little bad and blury in quality because I lowerd it for those who have slow modems.
PPS. I also wanted to say that this is my first real project I am doing for a very small company. "Like 2 locations in the whole world. I mean, in one state."

Copy and paste the link to a new browser.

shoot, tripod doesn't allow remote file posting. Can you set it up on a page for us to access? I'd like to see it.