How to design a swimming poster that makes a splash
What screams summer louder than swimming classes and poolside fun? If you’re looking to promote your summer extravaganza, whether it’s coaching sessions, pool parties, swim classes, club events, or just general pool time, then nothing grabs attention quite like a good ol’ poster. Print media isn’t dead; it’s a tried-and-true way to catch the eye of passersby and spark interest. Not sure how to design a swimming poster that stands out? Here are our top 7 tips that are sure to make a splash.
- Summer color palette
The first thing that will make your swimming poster stand out is the color palette. Bright, vibrant colors like aqua blues, sunny yellows, and bold oranges instantly evoke a carefree summer vibe and draw attention, whether your poster is printed or shared online. This playful combination makes your design look fun and inviting, while also increasing the chances of catching someone’s eye in a busy space. Vibrant colors naturally spark curiosity and positive emotions.
This is where color theory comes into play. A well-chosen color combination sets the tone for your event before a single word is read, making your summer poster more effective and memorable.
Image source: Colorhunt
- Make key details clear
Another crucial element for your poster design is to make important information clearly known to the reader in a way that is concise and easy to understand. Use one large font for the headline and a smaller font for the body text. Avoid using a lot of different fonts as it makes the design seem unnecessarily cluttered and difficult to skim through. Avoid adding too much text and varying sizes of text content to your poster as well, as it can overwhelm viewers and distract from your main message.
- Bold call-to-actions
Every poster needs a clear and compelling call to action. Ask yourself: what do you want viewers to do after seeing your poster? Whether it’s signing up for swimming classes, joining your swim club, or attending a poolside event, your message should be direct and action-oriented. Add phrases like “Register now,” “Join the fun,” or “Book your spot today.” Make sure the essentials (the who, what, where, when, and how) are clearly stated and easy to find at a glance. A well-placed, bold call-to-action can turn interest into action and boost participation.
- Add high-quality imagery
Add fun-filled high quality photos to your poster of your swimming pool area, past classes, events and showcase relevant activities you offer. It’s not untrue that a picture speaks a thousand words, so if you can show it rather than write it, why not! Make sure your images are not pixelated or blurry as this can seem unprofessional. Showing your premises is also recommended so interested parties can see what you have to offer.
- Add your branding
If this event is hosted by a swim school, club, or business, include your logo. Consistent branding builds trust and helps people recognize your organization in future promotions. If you’re designing your poster online, several tools like PosterMyWall can help you create Brand Kits so you can reuse branded elements like logos, color palettes and fonts across your designs, making customization significantly easier.
- Use fun icons or design elements
To add some extra oomph to your design, consider incorporating summer-themed clipart, backgrounds, and decorative elements. Icons and illustrations like suns, waves, sunglasses, cold drinks, flip-flops, palm trees, and pool accessories instantly boost the visual appeal of your poster. These elements make your design feel more lively and fun, helping your audience connect with the mood of the event at a glance. Just be sure to use them purposefully. Placing a few well-chosen graphics in the right spots can elevate your layout without making it feel cluttered.
- Use online tools to make designing a breeze
You don’t need to be a graphic designer to create impactful swimming posters. There are plenty of user-friendly online tools that offer ready-made swimming poster templates. Simply choose your favorite design, add your own name and details to it, and make it your own.
Pro tip: Try tear-off tabs in your poster if you want your contact information to be picked up easily by people who are interested in attending your swimming club or event.
- Print and share online
Who said posters are only for printing? You can not only print them out but also use the file to share online on social media platforms, your website if you have any, community forums, email newsletters and more.
Our two bits
Designing a swimming poster that attracts attention doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right mix of vibrant colors, clear messaging, high-quality visuals, and a touch of creativity, you can create a poster that not only looks great but also gets you maximum signups and attendees. Whether you’re promoting a summer pool party or a swim coaching session, a well-designed poster is your first step toward making waves. So dive in, get creative, and let your poster do the talking!
