Always innovating, our new poster Master comes from China to share his passion for posters with us!
Li Xu is one of the founders and curator of The 1st International Poster Festival of Shenzhen and Zi Hui-US & China Typographic Poster Exchange Exhibition, Asia /Next – Poster Experimental Design Exhibition etc. He has participated also as a member of the jury in 11 international poster festivals and competitions in France, Greece, Poland, Italy, Serbia, South Korea, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Kyrgyz Republic, Mexico and Turkey.
Li Xu has acted as member in numerous juries around the globe and has received several awards including the first prize of AIGA(re)design Awards 2011, the Gold prize of IDA-International Design Awards 2012, and more and he has exhibited his works at many important biennial and triennial exhibitions in Los Angeles, London, Warsaw, Teheran, Moscow, Prague, Hungary, Germany, Finland, Switzerland, Colombia, Italy, Mexico, Bolivia, Ukraine, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao, Shanghai, Hangzhou etc.
He is assistant professor at the Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, China.
We asked Li our “Poster Poster Questions” and these are his answers:
1. What does the poster mean to you and why do you design posters?
I like posters because the poster is posted on the wall in public places and conveys information It’s a kind of wisdom visual language, that conveys different information to people through visual language.
2. What would you say makes a good poster?
First, a good poster has a good idea.
Second, a good poster manages to communicate the information clearly.
Last, a good poster has new techniques and forms and strong visual impact.
3. What do you think is the role of the poster on the world today?
The poster is a bridge of communication between people—and the poster. I plays a powerful role in communication information and promotes international culture intercourse and development.
4. What is your typical design process for making a poster?
My typical poster design process is to Combine new media technologies and to create AR interactive posters, emphasizing the interactive experience of posters with audience. See examples here.
5. If you could chose a poster in history as your favorite, which one would it be and why?
No, it’s hard to choose one. In my opinion I think there are excellent elements in every piece.
6. What advice would you give to new designers who might want to become poster designers?
Much thinking yields wisdom and Happy to try.
