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Less is more when it comes to formatting, but these elements still create visual interest.

• alignment

• color

• font

• size

• white space

Posters need to be read-able from 8-10 feet away.

Start with this sizing and adjust as needed.

• Title -85 pt

• Author(s) - 56 pt

• Sub-headings - 56 pt

• Body text - 24 pt

• Captions - 18 pt

Help poster-readers. Group related information together so your audience draws connections between important information.

Fonts matter... but don't let deciding the perfect font distract you from the work that needs to be done. You can fine tune the aesthetics after you have the information ready to roll!

If you're looking for a classic pairing that's good enough for royalty, Wartburg's Strategic Marketing Team uses Avenir + Garamond.

Also worth noting - NEVER more than 3 fonts.

Yes, you absolutely want to create a visually-appealing poster. But remember that no amount of pretty can make up for poor research.

Also worth noting - NEVER more than 3 colors.

Does your poster include images? infographics? charts? graphs? Hooray!

Elevate your poster with relevant visuals. Viewers are more likely to engage with visuals than a block of text. Visuals can simplify complex concepts, and they also allow the brain to process information faster and retain information longer.

• Create graphs/charts in Excel and import them to your PowerPoint slide.
• Consider including a caption to images, ensuring the formatting matches the expected citation style.
• Use high quality, high resolution images. Make adjustments to color/contrast as necessary. Photo images need to be .jpg or .png.

There's no right way to create a research poster, but...

• Were you provided a specific list of poster must-haves?
  • Some faculty members include very specific details that ensure your poster is ready to present beyond RICE Day - like at a regional conference or a presentation to an organization.
• Do you need to include a full citation list ON the poster, or can you link to your citations with a QR code?
  • If you link with QR code, be sure the document settings allow it to be viewed.
• Space is precious, but are you expected to acknowledge anyone? 
  • Professor? Course Title?
  • RICE Day (logo)
  • Wartburg College (logo)