Flyer and Poster Design for PLS

Published on March 13th, 2008

Recently, I offered to design promotional materials for the Portland Lindy Society’s (PLS) regular weekly dance. They are the nonprofit swing dance group in Portland and their flyers needed a bit of design help. Since I was actively involved in marketing their recent large event, I thought it would benefit them if they had flyers and posters at the event to help them promote their regular dance night. They wanted something hip and eye catching — something that represented the energy of swing dancing. The flyers are 5.5×4.25 inches with color on the front and black on the back.

Portland Lindy Society Flyer Design Front and Back

The thing that sets PLS apart from the other swing dance organizers in the area is that they are a community run/volunteer organization. I thought it was fitting to include several different members of the community on the flyers to help represent that diversity. Here is the full set:

Portland Lindy Society Flyer Design

I also designed an 11×17 poster for them to post at venues and around town. They liked it so much, they blew it up and created a 22×34 canvas version of it.

Portland Lindy Society Poster Design

The photos were taken by Dennis Goetz Photography. If you look closely, you will notice that I drew all of their clothes and hair in Illustrator to give them a unique quality that is easily recognized from flyer to flyer. I went with the bright orange and olive green because the colors attract the eye and are edgy together.

What do you think? Do they accomplish the intended purpose?

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6 Excellent Responses to “Flyer and Poster Design for PLS”

  1. Geoff said:

    I think they are bad ass.


    Posted on March 14th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
  2. Jessica said:

    I love them, too. I’m totally sending one to my mom!


    Posted on March 14th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
  3. Jason Isbell, Director, PLS said:

    Everyone has loved these flyers. Everywhere we put them they vanish, everyone loves the art and they can’t help but stand out from all the generic and standard photo cards on tables. They’re classy and arty at the same time, and they just look quality. People are talking about framing them, so I know they aren’t getting tossed on visitor’s way out the door. These cards really make PLS stand out from the pack.


    Posted on March 17th, 2008 at 10:49 am
  4. karlybarrett said:

    Geoff and Jessica,

    Thanks for stopping by to share your love of the flyers. I am happy that I could include both of you in the design.

    Jason,

    It was really great working with you on this project. I am happy that you are satisfied with how they turned out. I hope it draws some additional attention to your Thursday dances. I am working on a 5.5×8.5 version that you can have your regulars post around town.

    Karly


    Posted on March 17th, 2008 at 11:37 am
  5. Ummi said:

    This is brilliant! I’ve been trying to do the same for KL Swing! (Malaysia) since I’m very much in charge of their branding/marketing/design as well! You pick the colours wonderfully and I find it very refreshing to use images of modern swing dancers instead of the classic b&w ones from the 40’s. People tend to assume swing is for old, retiring people, when it’s not at all! Kudos!! :) I am taking notes on your work btw.

    -Ummi


    Posted on April 14th, 2009 at 7:40 am
  6. Karly Barrett said:

    Ummi,

    I’m happy I have inspired you. Good luck with the marketing for your swing scene.

    Karly


    Posted on April 14th, 2009 at 7:57 am

What are your thoughts?