|
Once we decide upon a subject, the first step is research. In
the case of this poster, it has been considerable. Hand-in-hand
with that, we define the content - what are we going to show and what
is the poster going to say? This often leads to additional
research. Sometimes early ideas are discarded and replaced by
later ones. Eventually, we define the poster content and
determine what images and text will be needed. We then
consolidate everything into a rough layout, such as that shown below. |
|
This is where
the poster starts taking shape. In this case, we have used
images scanned from various resources to indicate some of the pictures
that we will need. (They are in color). We also decide
upon the illustrator and have him or her provide rough sketches.
They are shown in black and white.
At this point, our primary concern is content. Graphic design
(background, colors, fonts, etc.) is not yet a major consideration.
Along the top of this poster, we briefly summarize the various
evolutionary steps that made mammals possible, then go into early
mammal evolution. Across the bottom we will first define what
makes a mammals and explain the various identifying characteristics.
This is followed by an inset explaining the various types of mammals,
which, of course is based on their reproductive systems.
The center of the poster will be used to show the diversity
of the prehistoric mammals. Upon review of this early draft, we
decided to drop some species in favor of showing others.
Once we have this poster fairly well along, we will submit a
PDF of it to several leading authorities in this field for comments,
suggestions and, above all, to ensure accuracy. Once we have completed
the review phase, we will then finalize the poster.
STATUS: At this point we are seriously considering
expanding this poster to utilize the same presentation concept as the
Mammals posters. In this case, we would show representational
species of all the prehistoric mammal orders. This will probably
require two to three times more illustrations and considerable
research. The latter is made difficult by so many recent changes
in the classification systems. |
