The Art of Visual Storytelling: Designing Posters for Netflix in collaboration with MA LCC Screenwriters
Film poster designs
The Art of Visual Storytelling:
There is a rich tradition in the Design School at LCC of Poster design going back sixty years ! In 1954, Tom Eckersley set up the UK’s first undergraduate graphic design course at what was then the London College of Printing (LCP). Now the London College of Communication (the current incarnation of the LCP) regularly pays tribute to the man who pioneered graphic design’s new identity, as differentiated from commercial art. It is crucial in our understanding and appreciation of communication design’s past, present and future to reflect backwards as we design for the future.
Clive Baillie, alumni from the Design School at LCP is a founding partner and CEO of BLT Communications, one of Los Angeles’ leading creative agencies specialising in entertainment marketing. Baillie graduated from the London College of Printing and Graphic Arts (now London College of Communication) with a BA in Graphic Media Design in 1977. His career as an art director in the industry has spanned over 3 decades, during which time he has worked on many high-profile movie campaigns for all of the top Hollywood film studios including Avatar, Titanic, The Avengers franchise, The Dark Knight, the latest Spider-Man, and Guardians of the Galaxy. This also includes successful campaigns for television series such as, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Band of Brothers, Modern Family, and Stranger Things.
Baillie is passionate about playing a broader advocacy role in the arts and education, in particular the nurturing of creative talent. In 2015, he launched the Clive Baillie Scholarship for Graphic Design. https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/fees-and-funding/scholarships-search/clive-baillie-scholarship-for-ma-graphic-media-design
DPS Designer Scarlett OSullivan took part in the collaboration in 2024 and reflects on the huge value of clear visual storytelling in the practice of design and valued working with screenwriters who utlised her ability to synthesise themes and narratives concisely.
“As a graphic and media designer, visual storytelling is an essential skill. My goal was to create posters that do more than just promote a production—they need to evoke curiosity, spark emotions, and offer a glimpse into the narrative's core themes. When working on the posters for Masculeanne and Dante's Inferno, I wanted to ensure that each design not only captured the essence of the story but also hinted at the deeper layers and themes within the narrative.” Scarlett OSullivan
Graphic poster
Posters by designer Scarlett OSullivan for Masculeanne and Dante’s Inferno:
Masculeanne by Aiswarya Maity: A Journey of Feminism and Family Dynamics
Masculeanne is a six-part thriller series that delves into the intricate dynamics of feminism, toxic masculinity, and the complexity of family relationships. To translate these themes visually, I focused on key elements that symbolize the protagonist's journey of self-discovery. A yellow school bus, a key visual element, contrasts against the dark color palette of Leanne’s silhouette, while the detail of her facial scar, resembling a crack in the asphalt, symbolizes hope and rebellion. The use of a modern, clean font for the title paired with a more whimsical tagline reflects the tension between societal norms and personal beliefs.
Dante’s Inferno by Maia Hall: A Dark Tale of Revenge Set in the 1980
Dante’s Inferno is a gritty, 1980s-inspired series that blends alternative subculture, slasher horror, and a fierce female revenge story. Capturing the essence of this show required a balance between the dark, gritty elements and the glitzy, rebellious spirit of the 80s rock scene. For this, I concentrated on the setting and nightlife atmosphere of L.A., highlighting strong contrasts through intense colors and elements like the neon-lit palm tree and the guitar.
Designs