Background:​ The objective of this assignment was to design a movie poster that showcases layering and blending techniques using Photoshop. Having recently completed a project about fashion in film, Mia Farrow was on my mind. In assessing her catalog, I gravitated toward Rosemary's Baby and the challenge of tackling a darker subject matter in an elevated, sophisticated way.

 

Design Problem: My biggest challenge was figuring out how to visually communicate that this was a horror movie without resorting to gore. Additionally, I didn't want to give too much of what the movie is about away and was looking to find a way to pique the interest of anyone who hasn't seen the film while exciting those who have.

 

Design Process:​ The first step in my process for this project was to watch the movie to determine any themes or elements that could translate visually. One that jumped out to me right away was the concept of reality. Whose reality is the truth? With that kernel in the back of my brain, I started to notice it everywhere. In the music I was listening to, the other movies I was watching, and in my own day to day life.

 

Design Solution: To play off of the concept of reality, ​I decided that the stills I pulled for my posters would stand-alone, without any contextual elements, therefore encouraging the viewer to create their own idea of what the film was about. I did, however, want to give them a gentle nudge and provide a tonal framework with the color palette and watercolor accents. I knew I would use red to anchor the color palette as a nod to the more sinister elements of the film. To keep things graphic, I went with a bright yellow and classic black. For embellishments, I brought in watercolor splatters which could be interpreted as blood, and infrared overlays to really play up the unease of the horror genre. 

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Software: Photoshop

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