All about Art Deco and how to use it in your designs.

Tips for creating Art Deco posters, cards and invites with Adobe Express.

Want to make your own Art Deco creation? Whether you’re creating flyers, invites or a new brand logo, learn how to incorporate Art Deco designs into your work with these tips and tools.

Keep your lines sharp and smooth.

It can be easy to overcomplicate your poster or flyer with overlapping patterns and shapes, which can end up taking away from the main message. Instead, try to ensure your Art Deco patterns use sharp and smooth lines.

Clean lines can help you get the message across clearly in your posters in a ‘KISS’ way – keep it simple, stupid. Simple, focused design cuts through the clutter and noise, while grabbing the attention of the target audience.

Try to keep things symmetrical.

You can see symmetry throughout nature, so why not use it in your own designs? A symmetrical pattern or background can help draw attention to your message.

Create elegant greeting cards with precise Art Deco designs using our templates and wow your loved ones. Combine a thoughtful message with a symmetrical pattern to complement their home interior and make them smile. Your Art Deco card is sure to stand out from generic ones on the mantlepiece.

Look for ways to weave in metallic tones.

Art Deco designs often feature metallic colours – the original artists were inspired by modern machinery, after all. Not only do these tones add a subtle contrast for party invites and posters, but they can also work well in marketing materials too.

Blend these gold, silver and platinum shades into your company flyers or logos to reflect your brand’s maturity. It’s a simple way to bring that Art Deco elegance into your designs.

Use architecture and film for inspiration.

Architecture, illustrations and films inspired by or made during the Art Deco era can help pique your creativity.

The 1991 film, The Rocketeer, is a great place to start. Every inch of the film is inspired by Art Deco design, from the poster to the costumes and sets. You can also browse covers from old copies of Vogue and Vanity Fair to get a feel for the original 1920s’ illustrations.

And if you’re looking for more architectural examples, check out some of the 20^th-century buildings in the UK. The Hoover Building in London or the Daily Express building in Manchester are perfect examples.

Go big and bold with your use of fonts.

Be bold and reap the rewards. In the world of hyperabundant messaging, getting people’s attention these days isn’t always easy. Using big and bold Art Deco fonts in your social media posts can help you to stand out. This, mixed with a short but sweet caption, can strike a pose and stand out in a crowded online marketplace.

Art Deco colours and patterns.

Art Deco artists love to make use of rich colour types, with sharp contrasts. The use of gold in Art Deco buildings is a sign of those times, an expression of the wealth generated by the booming industries of the early 20^th century.

But what might this look like in your own posters and flyers? Think black lettering on a creamy white background, or gold lines set against a deep navy. Other popular colours from the era include:

• Emerald green
• Canary yellow
• Royal purple
• Charcoal grey
• Silver or steel tones
• Gold and brass tones
• Antique copper
• Neutral creams and beiges.

When it comes to Art Deco patterns, you can expect a similar level of modern opulence. Big sideboards, armoires, and accent chairs featured heavily during the height of the Art Deco movement. Each came with their own statement pattern, from zig zags to sunburst motifs. Chevrons, stepped patterns and geometric shapes are also key features in Art Deco design – though ideally you wouldn’t use them all together.

Test out how each one works with the other to see how it would fit best in your creation.