Quais du polar

The Quais du Polar festival has been a not-to-be-missed event for fans of the detective genre in Lyon since 2005. Every year, the Quais du Polar festival brings together the cream of the genre’s authors for three days.

At the beginning of April, more than 120 writers of some sixty nationalities took part in the 19th edition of this event, which attracts a huge public (80,000 people) and provides an opportunity to meet the authors through conferences and book signings, as well as taking part in a range of related activities (film screenings, writing workshops, investigative dinners, etc.).

During a Graphic Design workshop, the Prépa Entertainment students had to create a poster for this annual event, which presents a panorama of contemporary detective literature. This exercise was suggested by their teacher Olivia Vidil.

The ESMA students came up with a range of designs for the Lyon event, all of which were consistent with the ‘Quais du Polar’ graphic charter and had a clear message that could be understood by a wide audience.

This exercise also enabled them to familiarise themselves with graphic design.

SUBJECT OF THE EXERCISE

You have been asked to create the poster for the 19th edition of Quais du Polar, which will take place in April 2023. Your creative positioning will be Iibre but your project will remain consistent with the Quais du Polar graphic charter.

CONSTRAINTS OF THE EXERCISE

• Produce an A3 portrait poster,
• Think about and propose a concept,
• Integrate the codes associated with the world of thrillers,
• Respect the colours of the event: black, red and white and in negative space,
• propose a clear message,
• In teams of 2 or on your own.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Construct a legible communication project with an immediate impact. Compose, combine and balance iconographic and typographic elements. Respect a graphic charter and a brand universe.

TECHNIQUE(S)

Paper cut-outs, coloured pencils, acrylics, etc