We found inspiration recently in the beautiful and lavishly illustrated The Amazing American Circus Poster: the Strobridge Lithographing Company.
The poster above, with its use of banners to display text and add movement, is as lush and densely packed as the actual circus experience. The text becomes image here, and surrounds the driving forces behind it all, Barnum and Bailey, in an affectionate, heart-shaped outline symbolizing their long partnership.
This poster advertises the more exotic attractions offered by Shelby, Pullman & Hamilton – a circus operating around the same time as Barnum & Bailey. The images and words winding their way down the poster have provided inspiration for upcoming journey maps for clients.