top of page
Mastering the Message
Communication Design - Spring 2025
Comparing two different communication designers from history and how one impacted the other in their creative endeavours
This poster explores the visual relationship between Paula Scher and John Heartfield, examining how typography and collage can become powerful tools for communication. Designed within a strict quadrant-based grid system, the project required each section to contain varying ratios of image to text while still functioning as one cohesive composition. The challenge was to balance structure with expression, creating a layout that felt intentional, dynamic, and unified.
I chose Scher and Heartfield because of their shared ability to merge bold typography with layered imagery to create work that is both visually striking and conceptually charged. Using a collage-inspired approach, I combined textures, cut-paper elements, vintage imagery, and dramatic type treatments to reflect the energy found in both designers’ practices. Select works from each artist were integrated into the composition to reinforce the conceptual connection and celebrate their distinct visual languages.
This project strengthened my understanding of hierarchy, grid systems, and composition while pushing me to design within constraints. It also deepened my appreciation for how historical influence can continue to shape contemporary design, proving that strong visual messaging can transcend time, medium, and generation.
Full Poster Design
Top Left Hand Corner
60% Image - 40% Type
Focused on showcasing featured works from each designer, with text used to introduce and frame their connection.
Top Right Hand Corner
40% Image - 60% Type
Designed to prioritize the headline and key messaging while using supporting imagery to add energy and context.
Bottom Left Hand Corner
80-100% Image - 20-0% Type
Built as the most expressive visual quadrant, using collage elements and imagery to capture the shared style and emotion of their work.
Bottom Right Hand Corner
20-0% Image - 80-100% Type
Created as the informational anchor of the poster, using written content to explain the relationship between both artists in detail.
bottom of page