Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Be inspired by historical film posters and their design, and learn how computer software can be used to recreate some of their effects.
The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.
What will we cover?
• Composition – in films and posters • Typical 20th Century colour palettes • How to create our own, effective, colour palettes • Digital screenprinting techniques • Critical evaluation of your own and others work will be facilitated throughout the course • Examples of relevant works by historical and/or contemporary creatives will be drawn upon at strategic points throughout the course
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Use the specific process, media or tool you have been studying – at least to a competent skill-level
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for intermediate learners; you do not need to have prior experience of poster design specifically, just of visual communications in general.
English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- Presentations - Demonstrations - Practical work - Individual and group tutoring - Group discussion
Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you. This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website. Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.
To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We would recommend looking at our introduction to Graphic Design course. Alternatively, we offer a range of courses in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.
For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.
John is a seasoned graphic designer and educator, bringing over twenty years of experience in art direction, graphic design, and illustration to his teaching practice. With expertise in delivering impactful design solutions, John's career spans a wide array of disciplines, including exhibition design, information systems, brand identity, packaging, and promotional materials. His client list is as diverse as his portfolio, with notable projects including work for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Tower Bridge London, the London Fire Brigade Museum, and the National Library of Scotland. John's meticulous approach to design ensures that every project, from concept to execution, is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest creative standard. His exhibition work transforms spaces into immersive storytelling experiences that engage, inform, and inspire, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. As a freelance designer and former senior exhibition graphic designer, John has contributed to award-nominated projects and gained recognition from clients and visitors alike. He holds a passion for design and storytelling, matched with his dedication to teaching.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/explore-film-poster-design2548579Explore: film poster designhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/z/vz505_film_poster_design_1_1.jpg8989GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Graphic design22851132116311751228511321163<p>Using iconic film posters from the 20th century as inspiration, learn how to design and create a compelling poster for your favourite film.</p>002548534Explore: film poster design8989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/z/vz505_film_poster_design.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-06-13T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Art & designVZ1578989Explore: film poster design898989John Smythexplore-film-poster-design/vz157-2526<p>Using iconic film posters from the 20th century as inspiration, learn how to design and create a compelling poster for your favourite film.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-13 00:00:00<div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main"><p>Be inspired by historical film posters and their design, and learn how computer software can be used to recreate some of their effects.</p><p>The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials. <br/> </p></div><p>Using iconic film posters from the 20th century as inspiration, learn how to design and create a compelling poster for your favourite film.</p><p>• Composition – in films and posters<br/>• Typical 20th Century colour palettes<br/>• How to create our own, effective, colour palettes<br/>• Digital screenprinting techniques<br/>• Critical evaluation of your own and others work will be facilitated throughout the course<br/>• Examples of relevant works by historical and/or contemporary creatives will be drawn upon at strategic points throughout the course</p><p>Use the specific process, media or tool you have been studying – at least to a competent skill-level</p><p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners; you do not need to have prior experience of poster design specifically, just of visual communications in general.</p><p>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.<br/> </p><p>- Presentations<br/>- Demonstrations<br/>- Practical work<br/>- Individual and group tutoring<br/>- Group discussion</p><p>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.<br/>This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.<br/>Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).<br/> </p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.</p><p>Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.</p><p>To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/<br/> </p><p>We would recommend looking at our introduction to Graphic Design course. Alternatively, we offer a range of courses in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.</p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br/> </p>Graphic design & illustrationGraphic designvirtual898989VZ157NONESat13/06/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetJohn SmythBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-06-13T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Art & design8989Explore: film poster designexplore-film-poster-design/vz157-2526<p>Using iconic film posters from the 20th century as inspiration, learn how to design and create a compelling poster for your favourite film.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-13 00:00:00<div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">&lt;p&gt;Be inspired by historical film posters and their design, and learn how computer software can be used to recreate some of their effects.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.&nbsp;&lt;br/&gt;&nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</div><p>Using iconic film posters from the 20th century as inspiration, learn how to design and create a compelling poster for your favourite film.</p><p>• Composition – in films and posters<br/>• Typical 20th Century colour palettes<br/>• How to create our own, effective, colour palettes<br/>• Digital screenprinting techniques<br/>• Critical evaluation of your own and others work will be facilitated throughout the course<br/>• Examples of relevant works by historical and/or contemporary creatives will be drawn upon at strategic points throughout the course</p><p>Use the specific process, media or tool you have been studying – at least to a competent skill-level</p><p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners; you do not need to have prior experience of poster design specifically, just of visual communications in general.</p><p>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.<br/> </p><p>- Presentations<br/>- Demonstrations<br/>- Practical work<br/>- Individual and group tutoring<br/>- Group discussion</p><p>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.<br/>This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.<br/>Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).<br/> </p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.</p><p>Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.</p><p>To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/<br/> </p><p>We would recommend looking at our introduction to Graphic Design course. Alternatively, we offer a range of courses in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.</p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br/> </p>Graphic design & illustrationGraphic designconfigurable