I am in a Amateur Dramatic group, in December we a performing a play called 'Who Killed Santa Claus?’ A murder mystery whodunit type thing.
This weekend I have been designing posters to advertise the performance. I’d like to know what you think of the designs, which you prefer, comments, criticisms or ideas.
I have uploaded them to here http://www.crosswinds.net/~gnaritas/
Click on the pictures for a larger version.
All input gratefully appreciated.
Thanks
Ignore this Post I just forgot to tick email notification so I’m doing so now.
The thing to consider, I think, is the mood of this play. If it is completely serious, then I would go with the second or third posters (snow/doll and fingerprints). If this was a play that included many jokes, although none of them appropriate for children, I would go with the first poster (red knife) because it seems less frightening than the snow/doll and fingerprints. If I could take my entire family to this play, I would go with the fourth poster (newspaper). The cartoon Santa leads me to believe that children would enjoy this production. Also, if a child was to see the poster, he would think that the play is okay for him to see.
If I don’t think about mood of the play, I really like the second one. I can’t quite explain why, though.
I like the second one, also. But I like the last one, as well. Like FireUnderPantsBoobs mentioned, it mainly depends on the tone of the play itself.
If it is lighthearted, then the last one is great. But considering that the other three are definitely eerier and more serious looking, I would think the play itself is probably more adult themed and serious.
All of the posters are really good, though. 
Thank you both for your input. (and compliments :))
While there are a few humorous moments the tone of the play itself is serious. I must admit The 4th poster is my least favourite but I have included it to show some variation.
I was considering replacing the cartoon Santa with a photo from the production but don’t have one at the moment.
I am drawn towards the 2nd and 3rd myself, I will see what the rest of the group thinks tomorrow.
Anyone else?
Based on your description, I’d go with number one. I find it to be the most stiking, and it doesn’t take long to digest the image. The knife would also lead the viewer’s eye directly down to the bottom, where I assume you’d put date/time/location information. That kind of visual flow is very important in hit-and-run advertising like posters.
Nice job on all fronts, though.
Technically, one through three are excellent. Crisp artwork, good use of color and some nice techniques (the “who killed” text blown up on #3).
Some idle comments:
Poster 1: Is there any reason for holly over anything else? It seems like it’s conveying killing and Christmas, which is fine, but the choice of holly kinda leaves me cool. The use of shillouette distances me from the scene as well. It’s almost iconic.
Poster 2: I couldn’t see the doll clearly at the bottom, but that’s probably just how images reproduce on my computer or from a Web site. Is she being strangled? It probably looks much clearer. Very evocative, beautiful use of landscape but again the same issues.
Poster 3: Any meaning behind using five fingerprints, or having them shaped like that? While prints signal the crime element, I get more puzzled by why they’re spread out like that, or why you only see the tips.
Poster 4: Jokey, especially since you see Santa alive in the chimney.
With a title like “who killed SC,” I wonder why the indirect approach was taken with the visual images. Is there a concern that, say, putting Santa in the crosshairs of a rifle scope may be too intense? (Or, what about an FBI target, modified with Santa hat and bag of gifts, preferated?)
But I am really impressed with the way the ideas were executed. This is professional-level stuff. Just the ideas behind them need strengthening.
The red one has a classic book cover look to it that is suggestive but not outrightly lurid.
The fingerprint’s digits appear to be reindeer hoof prints, no?
Another vote for #1 here.
It’s quick, easily read, and eye-catching. The red background “pops” whereas the black ones get lost in the shuffle.
Didn’t like #2 because the doll at the bottom was not very clear. Didn’t like #3 because I thought it was boring.
And most of all, remember, opinions are like @ssholes, everyone’s got one 
Let us know when you finalize your decision.
First one is the one to choose. Foreboding and concise and eye catching.
Two and three are pretty but don’t really communicate the point effectively and are just artsy onanism.
Four is just silly.
Another vote for #1, for all the reasons mentioned above. It’s a strong, clean image, particularly suited if ti’s a serious play.
I liked the idea of the fingerprints, but the actual application didn’t do much for me.
You should do a chalk outline of Santa, next to his tipped over sleigh.
I like the second one best, but only because of the imagery. None of them really speak to me in any way, they just look impressive.
Thanks for the comments, I haven’t got much time to post right now.
The Play is about a TV presenter who gets murdered at a Christmas party while dressed as Santa Claus.
Awesome work! I love the second poster from the left!
another vote for #1.
Thanks pezpunk
GuanoLad Can you clarify what you mean by not speaking to you? Thanks
Thanks, Nice point as well. I may try a variation on One, with actually images rather than silhouettes.
As an aside the Doll is actually used in the play as part of a message to the victim. Although it has been suggested that the image of a Santa’s (fake) beard would go will here.
RE: Poster 3 , I just liked how it looked, nothing more.
I had not considered using a scope/crosshair as the victim is strangled to shot so this didn’t occur to me. However I will consider it.
My original idea was to use photo’s of the cast holding numbers (As if they have been arrested, I don’t know what they are called). I haven’t tried this due to a lack of photos and time.
Thanks again everyone.
Oooh, I sort of like the mug shot idea. Same with the chalk outline, although I suppose I would have to see them to really know.
I think you should use all of the posters.
All posters had a smooth effect on me, it wasn’t just the graphic techniques. Multiple concepts usually atract people, and yours hit me on the right places (even the comic strip).
I’m propably not your average target audience, but I liked your pictures.
Good luck with the play.
Thanks again everyone, the group decided with the dagger & holly poster, as is.
adizok an interesting idea, however it’s not economical for the number we need. Thanks though.
I would have liked to try the others but don’t have time before they are printed.
Thanks again folks.