Borders

  I first drew out some small sketches of poster border ideas using my biro so i had sharp lines that wouldnt soften like a pencil. The first border is incredibly simple, two spaces for the title and name of performer that could be in block colours with bold font. It also created a square space for the performers image. I felt this was too simple and bare.
   Next to it, i drew an actual border that framed the poster. Kept it simple with minimal detail to not distract from the performer. I also included a scroll like frame above where the title could go to break the fixated straight edge and add movement. I also didnt want a border like this as i wanted to alter the border slightly for a few performers to make it more personal and felt this would not cater to that.
    Next row down on the left i drew a more detailed, curvy border that framed the poster. I feel this style is more classic to circus posters as it makes it appear fancy and rich to appeal to the working class. I think the circus name and performer name would fit placed at the top as to not create another border to break the performer away from the richer outside one. I could also personalise the details in the border fro the performers. For instance, i could replace some lines with snakes for Kaens or add gold leaf detailing for Weeping Soul. On the other hand, i have mentioned before how i would like the performer to break out of the border, which can not be achieved here due to the border being on the edge.
    On the right i went for a smaller border to explore that idea above. At first i drew a rectangle, then decided an oval would be suited better to focus on the performer instead of having unneeded gaps. However, i can play around way more with this border as i could do different shapes for different posters, and use different things to create the border. Again i could have snakes circling around Kaens, but the details are not lost in the border as its the only thing making the border. I also have more space to add writing and other details outside. Or i could keep it simple and focused so its not too much information to take in.
    For the bottom row, i took inspiration from 1950s film posters, i can not find the poster again unfortunately. But i combined the smaller border element, and even included an outside border on the one on the right. The performers name placed in the box with picture and circus name at bottom. There is also space for a smaller image in the bottom like a logo, circus tent etc. Then below i drew out an idea where all the performers can be posed together for a group poster. I think this would only work for the last border style due to the amount of space needed. I also think overall that this poster is unnecessary and would take too much time.
   Right now i feel drawn to the oval/centre border due to its flexibility to change for each performer and think it will be most fun to play around with.