Opening poster: design and distribution in 2026

With digitalization, many think paper posters are outdated. False for physical openings. A window poster catches a passerby who isn't scrolling Instagram.

At well-prepared loriginal openings, 15-20% of visitors say they saw the poster somewhere. A complementary channel that reaches 20-30% of audience inaccessible by social networks.

• 1. Strong visual (60-70% of surface): emblematic complete artwork, texture detail, or graphic composition. High-res image (300 dpi min).
• 2. Exhibition title: above or below visual. Clear font. 5-7 words max.
• 3. Artist name: more discreet than title. If gallery: 'Presented by Gallery X'.
• 4. Date, time and location: Distinct block (e.g. Thursday, May 15, 2026, 5PM-8PM, 163 Saint-Paul West).
• 5. 'Opening' mention: at the top or in a block to signal the event type.

Physical paper: 11x17 inches (North American standard), A2 (more impressive), A4 (hand-to-hand distribution). 170-200g matte paper. Quebec printer cost: $2-$5 depending on volume.

Digital: square 1080x1080 (Instagram feed), vertical 1080x1920 (Stories/Reels), horizontal 1200x630 (Facebook event). Design adaptation per format, not simple resizing.

• 1. Independent galleries Mile End / Plateau: 40-60 galleries generally accept window displays.
• 2. Cultural cafes: Cafe Olimpico, Cafe Myriade, Replika, Cardinal.
• 3. University locations: UQAM arts faculty, Concordia Fine Arts, McGill Visual Arts.
• 4. Artist-run centers: Articule, La Centrale, Skol, Vox.
• 5. Specialized bookstores: Le Port de tête, Olivieri, museum bookstores.

D-30 to D-21: print and prep. D-21 to D-14: physical distribution tour (1-2 half-days). D-14 to D-7: intensive digital distribution. D-7 to D-1: final reminders. D-3: final email with poster attached.

• Mistake 1, overloaded design. 10 pieces of info on the poster. You lose legibility.
• Mistake 2, low resolution in printing. Pixelated poster = immediate amateur.
• Mistake 3, distributing too late. Pasting the poster 5 days prior only generates 30% of possible effect.