Since the early years of the Quebec Carnival, the event poster has played a central role in promoting the festival and the artistic expression of its creators.
Almost every year since its inception, a promotional poster has been produced to announce the event and encourage the public to take part.
This undated illustration is probably from 1955 to 1959. Image provided by Carnaval de Québec
It is displayed throughout the city and is used in various promotional materials.
In 1962, emphasis was placed on the fun and festive side of the event. Image provided by Quebec Carnival
“In the 1960s it was very graphic but very fragmented. It's very vintage! “They gave themselves a lot of freedom with the illustration,” emphasizes graphic designer Jocelyn Boissonneault, who worked at the Quebec Carnival for 27 years and was closely involved in the design of the carnival posters throughout those years.
Another undated illustration used in the early years of the event. Image provided by Quebec Carnival
A poster used between 1955 and 1959. Image provided by Carnaval de Québec
Together, these signs provide a fantastic insight into the evolution of artistic techniques and the direction of celebrations over time.
Image provided by Quebec Carnival
In 1967 we first noticed the use of photography for advertising posters. Image provided by Quebec Carnival
Handcrafted
In the early years, the illustrations were probably done in oils or acrylics before being reproduced en masse, Mr. Boissonneault says.
We feel the desire to arrive with a different visual style every time.
Poster from 1970. Image provided by Quebec Carnival
“The permanent team was limited […]. The president brought his knowledge, and there was really a special color. We see things that really go in all directions, which is ultimately very interesting.”
It can be said that the carnival was at the forefront, also in terms of its graphic identity, because there were few comparable events from which to draw inspiration, emphasizes Mr. Boissonneault.
Poster from 1973. Image provided by Quebec Carnival
In 1967, a photo was used for the first time for the Quebec Carnival poster. And in 1993 we recognized the first illustration created on a computer.
The tone is often family-friendly, sometimes more adult or festive, depending on the focus of the show.
Poster from 1982. Image provided by Quebec Carnival
The ambassador par excellence
But even if the themes and methods vary, Bonhomme is the undeniable ambassador of all eras, as he is almost always highlighted.
We sometimes see him playing the accordion, sometimes ice skating, dancing, hugging children, greeting the soul, doing his famous leg lift, or unleashing his fool.
Poster from 1985. Image provided by Quebec Carnival
Many slogans have been used over the years: “The Carnival of the Good World,” “Snow Capital,” “Québec in Full Winter,” or even “Jump in the Parade.”
In addition, in several cases we observe the translation of the poster into English or other languages, which testifies to the international dimension of this winter meeting.
Poster from 1988. Image provided by Quebec Carnival
“Very quickly there were tourists at Carnival in the 1950s and 1960s, including from the eastern United States. People came by train. During Carnival they added floats,” recalls Jocelyn Boissonneault.
Poster from 1990. Image provided by Quebec Carnival
Starting in 1993, we observed the increasing use of computer-aided illustrations. Image provided by Quebec Carnival
1997 was a year of renewal, with the disappearance of the Duchess competition and a family change. The graffiti superimposed over a boy's photo was intended to be a nod to Bonhomme's “teasing” side. Image provided by Quebec Carnival
Image provided by Quebec Carnival
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