There’s no denying the boho cool of a vintage rock poster. The artistry that went behind these old concert announcements is staggering, and reproductions have been popping up everywhere. If you want to show off a unique twist on the concert poster craze, follow these simple steps, and rock on!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A cork board (It can be actual cork or metal, depending on your preference and any size. If this is your first rodeo, I suggest going small.)
- Sharp scissors
- Cardboard for background decoration
- Images (It’s your choice, but I suggest getting your hands on some vintage magazines. Also, keep your eyes peeled for cool lettering to use.)
- Spray adhesive
- Paint (optional)
- Thumbtacks
The goal is to make the imagery look like it’s popping right off the poster. The cork board ensures durability and gives the poster an almost museum quality look. The cardboard will act as your base, and make your poster look like a dynamic piece of art. For a really cool look, try using the tops of old gift boxes or cardstock for your cardboard background.
Carefully cut the cardboard or cardstock into your pattern of choice. Make sure you choose a pattern that you can easily make without getting tired. For accuracy, measure the board you’re using and try to have more cardboard at your disposal than necessary. Extra cardboard will help you if you make any mistakes or cut the pattern too small.
Next, make sure you’re outside or in a well-ventilated area. Use the spray adhesive to coat the back of your cardboard pattern. When you have finished spraying, apply the pattern to your corkboard. Let this sit for 12-24 hours.
Here comes the fun part. Gather the images you want to use for your poster. Old music industry magazines are perfect for this project, but you can also find images on the internet and print them on matte photo paper. You’re also going to want to look for different kinds of lettering. A lot of vintage rock posters utilized ransom note lettering for a punk effect. Now, the goal isn’t to replicate posters of old, but to make this your own, so toss in some images that are unique to your personal tastes as well! Make your poster a narrative using your favorite band as the theme.
Make sure you’re once again in a well-ventilated area and spray the back of the images you want to use. Apply the images to the cardboard pattern on your corkboard. For an authentic feel, include a date and venue. You have an opportunity to be even more creative here by making up a name for an imaginary concert hall!
PRO-TIP: If you’re making the poster as a present, a fictional venue is a good way to personalize it for the recipient.
Let the poster sit for 24 hours. When it dries, you will have a rockin’ 3D poster that will totally pop!
The fun doesn’t have to stop with music! You can show off your love of movies or television too! For these projects, I like to try to find small objects that have to do with the show I am paying homage to. For these minimalist pictures, paint is much easier to work with than paper images.
This project is a fun way to combine arts and entertainment while making a great conversation piece for your wall. Turn your home into a pop culture paradise and have fun doing it!
