The Anatomy of a Movie Poster That Sticks

We break down what makes a poster iconic, memorable, and effective.

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date

15.01.2025

photos

Ali Ager

A great poster doesn’t just promote a film - it becomes part of it.
When done right, key art can be as unforgettable as the film itself. Think Jaws. Drive. Moonlight. You can picture them instantly. That’s the power of poster design when every element is doing its job.

So, what makes a movie poster stick?

A Singular Idea

Forget clutter. The strongest posters are built around one clear concept - visually or thematically. They don’t try to tell the whole story. They hint, provoke, and invite curiosity.

Genre at a Glance

Your poster should communicate the tone of your film before a single word is read. Horror, drama, comedy, thriller - we make sure the audience knows what they’re in for, emotionally and visually.

Striking Composition

Bold imagery. Smart use of space. Strong focal points. Whether it’s a close-up, a wide shot, or something abstract, composition drives how your poster feels at first glance - and whether someone stops scrolling.

Typography That Speaks

The type isn’t just there to say the title. It helps define the mood. Whether we’re using custom lettering or referencing vintage styles, the typography is part of the storytelling.

Designed for Longevity

A poster should work in a feed and on a wall. We design with both in mind - creating artwork that holds up online and in print, today and five years from now.

At The Paperview, this is our craft.
We don’t just design posters - we design cultural touchpoints. Whether your film is premiering on a streaming platform or in a festival lineup, we’ll create a poster that makes people look - and remember.