Artwork

Art of the poster label

The commissioning process : Good poster design relies on a close working relationship between artist and commissioner. Designers are usually approached directly and given a brief to work to, rather than submitting work speculatively. Initial ideas are presented as unfinished 'roughs'. Once approved, the design is redrawn as a finished artwork, often the same size as it will appear on the printed poster.

For many years, the status of winning a commission for London Transport was equalled only by designing stamps for the Post Office. One of the few to do both was Abram Games (see letter). Rejection though was hard to bear as the letter from Charles ('Shep') Shepard shows.