After the
War Blues
Type
Promotional Design/Poster
Software
Procreate
Adobe Illustrator
For the City College of San Francisco Theater Department, I designed a poster for After the War Blues by Philip Kan Gotanda, directed by Patricia Miller. Set in 1940s San Francisco, I used cool tones of blue and gray to convey the story’s emotional depth and racial tension. Drawing inspiration from the era, I chose Futura to reflect the period’s typography. I incorporated iconic elements like San Francisco street signs, Victorian homes from the Fillmore District, and Karl the Fog to anchor the design in its setting and add a dramatic, atmospheric touch.
Sketches
I started by researching posters from the 1940s to understand the design style of the era. I then brainstormed ways to incorporate scenes from the play to draw interest from the audience. Since the play is set in San Francisco’s Fillmore District, I wanted to include elements of the neighborhood to connect the design with the story’s setting.
Iterations
I illustrated the Victorian homes in the background using Procreate, adjusting the colors in each iteration until I achieved the desired outcome. I also refined the type size and hierarchy to improve clarity and emphasis. Additionally, I experimented with the angle of the street signs to create a more dynamic composition.
Final
This project allowed me to experiment with typography hierarchy to organize various pieces of information. Fitting the text into the illustration was a challenge, but it helped me refine my skills in balancing visuals with text. Overall, I’m satisfied with how the design effectively captures the play’s atmosphere and setting.