Helpful Hints for Effective Flyers

One or two typefaces are optimal. Three is acceptable. Four is too busy!
If you are using two or three typefaces, use one sans serif and one serif.
- This is a sans serif typeface (note the absence of the things on the ends of the lines on each letter).
- This is a serif typeface (note the presence of the little lines on the end of each letter).
Novelty fonts are good for large type, but in small doses. Don’t put all the text on a page in something like Algerian or Copperplate Gothic.
WRITING IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS IS DIFFICULT TO READ. Lowercase letters are easier to read at a glance.

Your flyer needs a dominant element. The most important thing should be significantly bigger or set apart from everything else.
Use Contrasts:
- Simple and complex
- Large and small
- Light and dark
- Heavy and light
- Horizontal and vertical
Never, never underline all of your text; it is difficult to read and distracts from the purpose of the flyer.
Look around campus at other flyers and posters to see what catches your attention and what is easy to read. Likewise, notice posters that are unorganized and difficult to read.
Always say it in fewer words. The more words on the poster, the less the viewer will read and retain.
For every inch tall your text is, people can read it from 10 feet away (i.e. 2 inch tall text can be read from 20 feet, 3 inch from 30 feet, etc.). Make it big!
Avoid cheesy clipart.
Avoid busy, horrible, ugly borders. A line can be nice, but 100 ice cream cones around the edge of the page becomes too busy.
Do NOT steal copyrighted images off the Internet. Stick to what you are given by the event agent, organization logo, etc.
Experiment! Try fonts besides Times New Roman. Add some lines or shapes. Make letters go at a diagonal. Be creative and original!
Do not use multiple exclamation points or question marks!!!!!!!!!!!