Theatre Posters: The Designer Behind the Shocking Images
- Bob King, a veteran in theater poster design, has created memorable images for shows like "Phantom of the Opera" and the current hit, "Operation Mincemeat." His poster for...
- King emphasizes the importance of initial hand-drawn concepts.He starts wiht scribbles in a notebook before turning to digital design.
- King's career began with mega-musicals, requiring branding that could travel globally.
Dive into the creative mind of Bob King, the designer behind some of the most striking theater posters. from the minimalist brilliance of “operation Mincemeat” to the iconic mask of “Phantom of the Opera,” King’s work has captivated audiences worldwide. Discover how King’s emphasis on hand-drawn concepts fuels his award-winning designs, including his bold, controversial work for “Equus” starring Daniel radcliffe, a true feat of theater poster design. Learn about the evolution of these memorable theater poster images, from initial sketches to global branding, and the beliefs that governs his work. he believes in teasing the audience, not revealing all. this story explores the evolution of King’s career, from mega-musicals to school productions. For more insight into the world of design, visit News Directory 3. Discover what’s next …
The Art of the Tease: Designing Iconic Theater Posters
Updated Jan. 03, 2024
Bob King, a veteran in theater poster design, has created memorable images for shows like “Phantom of the Opera” and the current hit, “Operation Mincemeat.” His poster for “Operation Mincemeat,” a musical nominated for four Tony awards, features a minimalist design: a black scribble suggesting Hitler’s mustache against a yellow background. the show’s title is subtly incorporated, hinting at the story’s secret briefcase.
King emphasizes the importance of initial hand-drawn concepts.He starts wiht scribbles in a notebook before turning to digital design. He said computers can’t replace the initial spark of an idea.
King’s career began with mega-musicals, requiring branding that could travel globally. He and Russ Eglin created the iconic white mask and red rose for “Phantom of the Opera.” King recalls that the mask was airbrushed by hand, and the lettering was created using cut-up Letraset.
King also designed the poster for “Equus” featuring Daniel Radcliffe. The image of Radcliffe nude with a horse covered the Gielgud Theatre during renovations.
King established his own company in 2015. His firm’s first job was for a school production of “School of Rock.”
King believes a good poster shoudl “tease” the audience, not reveal the entire story. He keeps rejected ideas, believing they may find a use later.
What’s next
King plans to continue creating memorable and audacious designs for the theater, always seeking to solve the “problem” each new job presents.