I realized that I do not like to throw anything out, when unpacking in my new apartment. This includes old newspapers, magazines and postcards. I decided that instead of decorating my walls with prints, I would make my own classic movie poster. It's an excellent way to clean out the clutter in your house, as well as a way to show your creativity.

Anything Goes When Making a Classic Movie Poster

There are lots of different ways one could make a classic movie poster. A local artist at Chicago's Halsted Market Days was framing record album covers using soundtracks of films such as Breakfast at Tiffany's or An American in Paris. Because it's very inexpensive and easy to do, this is a great way to make a classic movie poster. Go to the local used record shop where you can buy records for less than $5. You can buy an inexpensive, but nice-looking frame at a drugstore for less than $30.

Making a collage is another way of making a classic movie poster that involves actual work. A collage is a great way to get rid of a lot of old magazines and newspapers. Again, this is a very inexpensive project, because most of the material you already have at home. You'll only have to buy a poster board and a frame. Along with magazines and newspapers clippings, you could also use covers from VHS tapes, DVD's or CD's.

Use Your Imagination, but Remember People Have to Look at it

The only "danger" in making a classic movie poster on your own is that it might end up looking like a kindergartner's art project from school. While beauty is subjective, and in the end, you have to put together what you like, there are tips for making your poster presentable and tasteful.

Having a theme is a great start. This theme could be a color scheme ? using only black & white photographs will give the poster an old Hollywood glamour feel. You can also concentrate on one star, or even better have some sort of general theme in mind. My poster featured film stars of the 1940's and 1950's.

Having shots of famous pairs is another good idea - Bogie and Bacall, Spencer and Hepburn, Fred and Ginger. You can also have a classic movie poster featuring famous screen clowns like Charlie Chaplin, Abbot and Costello, or Laurel and Hardy.

The most important thing to remember when making this poster is that it reflects your taste and what you believe to be classic film. Don't be worried if your poster reflects Shaft more than it does Casablanca, as long as you put your creativity into it, any movie poster will look like a classic.