Fracking the System Film Poster

Final Mockup

Project Overview:
Date: March 2024

Objective:

Design a compelling film poster for Fracking the System, a documentary spotlighting the environmental and political impacts of fracking.

Role & Approach:
My responsibilities included developing the poster concept, refining the design based on client feedback, and iterating to align with the documentary's tone and message. I focused on capturing the political influence and indifference portrayed in the film, where politicians are seen as enablers of fracking's detrimental effects.

Concept:
Inspired by the documentary's portrayal of politicians as antagonists, I emphasized the political angle, which set my design apart from others. To convey this, I illustrated a politician wearing a suit, with a fracking tower as the tie. The subtle imagery of money and political buttons hints at the politicians’ financial motivations. Initial feedback indicated that the design felt unique and effectively sparked interest in the documentary.

Typography:
I selected Bebas Kai Regular for the title, due to its bold, condensed structure, which reflects the film’s tension. The word "system" was highlighted in red, underscoring the theme of political influence. For contrast, I paired Bebas Kai with Helvetica Regular for the subtitle and secondary text, ensuring clarity and balance without detracting from the main title.

Color Palette:
The palette features neutral shades—whites, creams, tans, greys, and blacks—evoking a professional, "suit and tie" aesthetic. Touches of red draw attention to key elements, like the political buttons and specific words, while varied greens bring realism to the money illustrations.

Layout & Composition:
The title placement at the bottom directs viewers' gaze, supported by a composition that naturally leads the eye downward from the tie to the title. Key elements, like the political buttons and money, are balanced on either side for visual harmony. The billing block at the top and laurels at the bottom further frame the design.

Design Process & Challenges:
The concept remained consistent, but layout and typeface choices posed challenges. Finding a balance between readability and impact required extensive experimentation with typefaces and layout options. After 27 hours of work, I arrived at a design that captures the documentary’s message without overwhelming the viewer.

Reflection & Lessons Learned:
This project reinforced the importance of storytelling in design. Centering on a Colorado politician added depth, inviting viewers to question political involvement in fracking. Collaborating with an open-minded client allowed me creative freedom, and I refined my skills in composition, balance, and client feedback integration. This piece showcases my growth and is portfolio-ready, though minor revisions—such as refining the political button illustration—could enhance its impact further.