The Art and Science of Creating

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The Art and Science of Creating a visually
appealing History Day exhibit
Mr. Hoverson Saint Thomas Academy
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This presentation is designed to help you learn
how to create an effective and visually appealing
exhibit for History Day by looking and some of
the Dos and Donts from past Saint Thomas
Academy projects. All of these projects have
some good points and some areas that should have
been changed.
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Part 1 General Items

• This section looks at some important general
  considerations in creating your exhibit.

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Research Paper on a Board
This exhibit is neatly presented, and covers a
topic of interest. However, the blocks of text
are much too long, and discourage the reader.
The short blocks of text and illustrations on the
map ARE effective in this case.
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Too much color
This project has clear organization and short,
easy to read sections of text. However, they are
almost lost in the riot of color in the
background.
Notice also that the title is not much bigger
than any of the other text. The text sizes should
make the hierarchy of information and the
navigation of the project clear.
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Over-creativity
This otherwise well-laid out project was reduced
in appeal when the creators decided to alternate
letter size, style color. At a quick glance,
the title appears to be BIIH IVSO. Avoid the
temptation to be unique and unusual in areas
where you should be clear and direct.
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Clear Creative Design
This project exemplifies several key issues of a
visually appealing project.
The titles and text are all clear, and there is a
clear hierarchy of size from main title (large)
to explanatory text (small, but not smaller than
16 pt. Font).
The topic of socialism was highlighted by use of
the color red, which is associated with socialism
and communism.
Crackle paint was used to create a textured
background.
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Use of materials
This project makes good use of a variety of
different types of illustrations

• Maps
• Political cartoons
• Photos

Notice also that different colors are used to
relate similar materials to each other.
One drawback to this project is that much of the
text is too small, though it is neatly presented
on blocks of foam core board.