The poster remains one of the most powerful mediums of communication in printed design — one that merges artistry, messaging, and public engagement in a single, impactful frame. Among the most prestigious recognitions in this field is the 100 Beste Plakate competition, an annual celebration of the best poster designs from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. And the yearbook that is published along the competition is more than just a collection of images. It is a testament to the creativity, skill, and cultural relevance that defines the poster art form today.
Today, posters are seen as often in art galleries as they are on the streets, bridging the gap between commercial graphic design and contemporary art.
Posters have been a vital part of visual communication for centuries. From early political propaganda to the vibrant pop culture advertisements of the 20th century, poster design has shaped public spaces and influenced society at large. The challenge of poster design lies in its ability to convey complex messages in a simple, visually arresting format. Designers must consider typography, color theory, composition, and audience engagement — all within the constraints of a single image. While graphic design has evolved, so has the poster. What was once a tool for advertising and political messaging has become a canvas for artistic expression. Today, posters are seen as often in art galleries as on the streets, bridging the gap between commercial graphic design and contemporary art.
The 100 Beste Plakate e.V. is a renowned organization dedicated to promoting the high-quality design of posters across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Founded from the competition Die besten Plakate des Jahres (The Best Posters of the Year), which began in 1966, the 100 Best Plakate Association took its current form in 2001. This transition marked a significant expansion, embracing a broader European ideal and including artists from Austria and Switzerland in addition to Germany.
The association collaborates with several professional bodies, such as DesignAustria, Alliance Graphique Internationale, and the International Council of Graphic Design Associations, to ensure the contest maintains its prestigious status in the design community. Every year, the competition invites poster designers, artists, students, and even clients to submit their best works. A rotating jury of graphic design experts is tasked with selecting the top 100 posters, which are then awarded, exhibited, and immortalized in the yearbook.
Published annually, the 100 Beste Plakate book serves as an essential companion to the competition. This publication is not merely a catalog of winning entries, it is a significant cultural artifact that documents the trends, themes, and innovations in poster design each year.
The 2023 edition of the yearbook, designed by Studio Es and published for the first time by Slanted Publishers, continues this tradition with a presentation of all 100 winning posters. These are displayed in large-format images, accompanied by insightful commentary on the context and content of each design. The softcover book with a beautiful otabind thread-sticking also includes an introduction by jury member Toan Vu-Huu and a foreword by Fons Hickmann, both of which provide a deeper understanding of the selection process and the state of poster design today.
This year’s theme, “X out of 100 / Expect Nothing—Appreciate Everything”, underscores the book’s commitment to equality and diversity in design. Each poster or series is given equal weight, avoiding any implication of ranking or hierarchy among the chosen works. This approach aligns with the association’s mission to celebrate creativity and innovation across the board, rather than highlighting a single “best” design.
The influence of the 100 Beste Plakate competition extends beyond the pages of its yearbook. The award-winning posters are displayed in a series of exhibitions across major cities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, including Berlin, Lucerne, and Vienna. These exhibitions offer the public a chance to engage with the posters up close, appreciating the nuances of each design in a curated environment. The posters also find a permanent home in esteemed collections like the Deutsches Plakat Museum in Essen and the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna, ensuring their preservation and continued influence.
The 100 Beste Plakate yearbook is a celebration of the poster as a dynamic and influential medium. By showcasing the best in poster design from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the publication highlights the intersection of art, culture, and communication. For designers, artists, and anyone interested in visual culture, this yearbook is an indispensable resource that captures the spirit of contemporary design. Whether you are looking for inspiration, insight, or simply an appreciation of the artistry behind posters, the 100 Beste Plakate yearbook delivers a comprehensive and beautifully crafted overview of the year’s most compelling visual works. Available here.
Images © Slanted Publishers