Film Poster Design for 'The Garden Room' (Case Study)
Derian de Waal
Case Study: Introduction
In collaboration with the creator of 'The Garden Room,' my objective was to visually encapsulate the documentary's essence in its poster. Depicting a family navigating the loss of a stillborn baby, the design aimed to convey both the film's somber tone and its impactful message. This case study explores the process of creating an evocative poster for the documentary.
Stage 1: Client Meeting
The design journey began with a crucial client meeting, delving into the creator's vision and expectations. Understanding the emotional nuances of the documentary was vital for translating its impact into a defining visual identity. I began to brainstorm after being given an extremely concise design brief:
Summary of the whole story is a family who go through the loss of their baby boy. There are themes of hope, but I think I want the poster to be quite somber.
Stage 2: Research & Inspiration
As part of the research phase, I analysed references provided by the client and independently sought out impactful posters worthy of emulation.
Stage 3: Image Selection
The client provided images from the film's production. After reviewing various layouts, an image depicting the entire family bidding farewell to their stillborn baby boy became the cornerstone of the final composition. Unlike others, this image revealed the faces of the family members, conveying the immense grief felt by all.
Stage 4: Integration of AI Technology
After selecting the image, a challenge arose: it didn't fit the desired poster dimensions. AI technology played a crucial role in seamlessly creating additional visual content. These AI-generated elements not only resolved spatial constraints but also enhanced the visual storytelling and emotional impact.
Stage 5: Layout & Copywriting
After planning potential text layouts, I delved into copywriting. Inspired by a supplied photograph, the tagline emerged, succinctly capturing the essence of the documentary: 'Stillborn. But Still Born.'
Stage 6: Colour Accentuation & Graphical Additions
While maintaining the black-and-white aesthetic, I introduced a touch of colour to the mother's balloon. This subtle yet powerful addition symbolises the lost child, embodying a sense of hope and serving as a strong visual anchor within the poster.
After consulting with the director, she mentioned footprints on the balloons in the film. Since the top of the image was AI-generated, I initially missed this detail. Consequently, I added the footprints, mirroring those in the documentary and enhancing viewers' understanding of the story.
Stage 7: Final Composition
The culmination of these stages resulted in a visually striking poster that creates a powerful juxtaposition. The delicate blue balloon contrasts with the profound grief depicted, capturing the essence of 'The Garden Room' – an overall somber tone with a glimmer of hope.
