How to Get Away with Murder Poster: A Step-by-Step Guide
The hit TV series "How to Get Away with Murder" has captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate plot, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. The show’s poster, designed by artist Dustin Thomason, has become a iconic representation of the show’s dark and suspenseful tone. In this article, we will explore the making of the poster, its design elements, and how it relates to the show’s overall aesthetic.
Design Inspiration
Before diving into the design process, Thomason drew inspiration from various sources, including:
- Film Noir: The classic genre’s dark and moody aesthetic influenced the overall tone of the poster.
- Crime Novels: The cover art of crime novels, such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, inspired the use of bold typography and striking visuals.
- Lawrence of Arabia: The epic film’s poster, designed by Samuel Golden, influenced the use of bold colors and a focus on the main character.
Design Elements
The poster features several design elements that contribute to its overall impact:
- Main Character: The central focus of the poster is Annalise Keating (played by Viola Davis), the show’s protagonist. Her image is placed in the foreground, drawing the viewer’s attention.
- Color Scheme: The dominant colors used are black, white, and red, which evoke a sense of mystery, sophistication, and danger.
- Typography: The bold, sans-serif font used for the title "How to Get Away with Murder" adds to the show’s edgy and provocative tone.
- Imagery: The background image of a cityscape at night, with lightning flashing in the distance, creates a sense of tension and foreboding.
Symbolism
The poster features several symbolic elements that add depth to the design:
- The Flashing Light: The lightning bolt symbolizes the intense drama and suspense that unfolds throughout the series.
- The Cityscape: The dark, urban landscape represents the show’s gritty and realistic portrayal of life in Philadelphia.
- The Red Background: The bold red color represents the show’s themes of passion, power, and bloodshed.
Table: Design Elements and Symbolism
| Design Element | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Main Character | Protagonist and focus of the show |
| Color Scheme | Mystery, sophistication, and danger |
| Typography | Edgy and provocative tone |
| Imagery | Tension and foreboding |
| Flashing Light | Suspense and drama |
| Cityscape | Gritty and realistic portrayal of life |
| Red Background | Passion, power, and bloodshed |
Influences on the Poster
The poster’s design was influenced by various art movements and styles, including:
- Surrealism: The use of bold colors and unusual imagery adds a touch of surrealism to the design.
- Expressionism: The exaggerated and distorted features of the main character’s face add an expressionist element to the design.
- Minimalism: The use of simple shapes and bold typography creates a sense of minimalism in the design.
Conclusion
The "How to Get Away with Murder" poster is a masterclass in design, effectively capturing the show’s essence and themes. By incorporating bold colors, striking imagery, and symbolic elements, the poster has become an iconic representation of the series. For designers and artists, the poster serves as a great example of how to effectively communicate a complex and intricate story through a single image.
