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Student Impact Summit: How to Create Poster

Selected students will present posters featuring their scholarship, experiential learning opportunity, and other achievements at this Summit.

Software

Posters for the Maine Law Student Impact Summit MUST BE created in Microsoft PowerPoint. If you do not currently have Microsoft PowerPoint on your computer, you can download free  http://office.com/getOffice365. Create your account using your University of Maine System credentials.

There are also online infographic tool creators which can be used to create your poster wholly or just components. Easel.ly is a website that features thousands of free infographic templates and design objects which users can customize to create and share their visual ideas online. Using the site is as easy as dragging and dropping design elements, and users can either choose a template from our extensive library, or they can upload their own background image and start from scratch. 

Visit Easel.ly at https://www.easel.ly/group/groupDetail?group=137363 and sign in with username: youremail@maine.edu password: fV2Rz.

 

Using Graphics

An academic poster should be both professional and concise, so a general rule is only to include graphics that really support your content.

  • Use diagrams, graphs or flowcharts to help explain complex information visually.
  • Try not to use too many different or strongly contrasting colors. A limited color palette can be very effective.
  • Avoid using unnecessary and distracting background textures or decoration.
  • If your topic has a central statement, graphic or diagram, make this prominent in your design. Don't hide it in a corner!
  • Every graphic should have a purpose.

Software Tutorials

Setting up your canvas

PowerPoint
When building a poster using PowerPoint (or Publisher), you will have the option to select custom page size. 
Choose the DESIGN TAB> Slide Size> Custom Slide Size.

PowerPoint page setup up dialog box

After your poster is complete, please export as the highest quality PDF available.  

Free PowerPoint Templates and useful guidelines available about http://www.posters4research.com/templates.php 

Maine Law Logos

Maine Law B&W Logo

Maine Law Color Logo

If you need a specific size logo, please contact mdecrow@maine.edu with your preferred pixel width and we will make a custom sized logo for your use.

Graphics

Creative Commons 

Free images can be found through creative commons.

 

Easel.ly

Easel.ly has hundreds of customizable template to create infographics for your poster.

  • Visit ease.ly 
  • Click add Group - select Join Group
  • Group ID is 2020SIS137363

​Once you have created your infographic, export your design using the high quality jpeg option. You will then be able to import it into your PowerPoint document.

Storyblocks

Maine Law has a repository of images that may be useful for your academic poster. We can provide you any image used on our digital or printed footprint. You may also request any image located at https://www.storyblocks.com/ Please email mdecrow@maine.edu with the details of the image.​ We will download and send you the file.