Stop Making Cryptic Posters!

I saw this post on Threads the other day:
“I am literally begging local bands to learn how to make a flyer with all the info for your show on it.”

And I immediately thought: YES. This is something I can help with.

Because as an indie musician, you’re not just making music. You’re also your own manager, marketer, video editor, booking agent, merch designer, and strategist. That’s a lot of hats to wear, and nobody has all the skills (or the time) to do everything perfectly. That’s where I come in: helping artists market themselves without burning out.

Check out my Social Media Support Services if you’re ready for coaching or workshops on branding and DIY marketing. But today, let’s talk posters.

Why Concert Posters Matter

Sometimes the venue will make a poster for you, but when it’s up to you, it’s more than just a piece of promo; it’s a chance to show off your brand identity. The design of your poster sets the tone and vibe of your show before anyone even walks through the door.

Posters aren’t just functional... They’re art. Just look at how music fans collect old posters decades later. They’re cool, nostalgic, and beautiful. A well-designed poster becomes part of your story as an artist.

The 5 W’s That Every Event Poster Needs

No matter how creative you get, your poster needs to clearly communicate the who, what, when, where, and why of your event. (In our case, the “why” is pretty obvious without needing to be said: it’s live music!)

Here’s a quick example:

• Who: The Dancing Bats

• What: Concert — Tickets $15 advance / $20 at the door

• When: October 10, 2026 — Doors: 7:30 pm / Show: 8:00 pm

• Where: The Murder Unicorn Pub (basement), Edmonton, Alberta

• Why: Because live music!!!

Keep it simple, but make sure all the essentials are right there at a glance.

And don’t forget to include the year in your “when”. Posters float around long after the show, and a clear date keeps fans from confusing past events with upcoming ones. Plus, for superfans, dated posters often become collectible keepsakes, a piece of nostalgia they’ll treasure. Don’t think you have superfans yet? Pfft. Design like you do.

Creative Ways to Design Concert Posters

There are endless ways to make your poster stand out and reflect your brand:

• Hire an illustrator you love to create custom artwork
  

• Use your professional band photos (or hire a photographer for a fresh shoot)
  

• Commission a graphic designer for typography-driven designs
  

• Grab a Canva template and make it your own
  

• Go old school: create a collage with text and images cut from magazines and newspapers
  

• Mix and match these approaches

The visuals of your poster should instantly communicate your vibe and genre. Someone walking past should know within seconds that this is a punk show, an evening of jazz, or a metal concert. Do some research by checking out the previous posters of famous bands in your genre for inspiration.

Key Principles of Good Poster Design

• Prioritize Information: “Who, what, when, where” should be clear.
  

• Visual Hierarchy: Use larger fonts for headlines and bold the key details.
  

• Alignment: Don’t cram text in so it runs to the edge. Keep it balanced and avoid clutter.
  

• Font Choices: Pair two or three complementary fonts. A “fancy” or bold one for headlines and a more simplistic one for details. Always make sure the important info is easy to read!!
  

• Size & Readability: Headlines need to be BIG and simple enough to read from across the street.
  

• Colour Contrast: Have high contrast between text and background for legibility and interest.
  

• Concise Copy: Short and snappy text, NOT long paragraphs.
  

• Print Quality: Use images at 300 DPI so they don’t come out blurry.
  

Pro Tip: Add a QR code that links to tickets or your website on physical posters. This removes any obstacles that may stop viewers from becoming attendees

Budget-Friendly Options for Indie Bands

Hiring artists, photographers, or designers for every single gig can add up, and let’s be honest, most indie bands aren’t rolling in cash. That’s why I recommend:

• Canva Pro → It’s affordable and will help you design solid posters, graphics, and social content yourself.

• Invest in Key Moments → Save your budget for big opportunities. If you’re going on tour, hire professional artists and/or designers to create a poster you can use across all dates. The illustration can also be used for band merch! For one-off gigs, DIY solutions work just fine.
  

Final Thoughts

A good concert poster does three things:

1. Grabs attention
   
   

2. Conveys your brand and vibe
   
   

3. Gives fans the info they need to show up
   

More than announcements, posters (and flyers) are part of your identity as an artist. Treat them as both art and marketing, and they’ll not only elevate your brand but also get more people through the door.

And seriously: include the essentials. No cryptic “ask a punk” vibes! Your fans shouldn’t have to work to figure out when and where to see you. Make it easy, make it clear, make it unforgettable!