Motivational posters have taken on a new lease of life in recent years. Where previously they were limited to pictures of wobbling children or adorable kitties with a simple literary quote or quasi-inspirational word, they are now an artform in and of themselves.
Graphic designers, typographic artists and calligraphers are all getting on the inspirational buzz, and the results are some creative and unique posters perfect for your office decor.
Here are ten of my favourite inspirational / motivational posters for the office:
1. With Coffee, Anything is Possible
Money may fuel the business world, but nothing would get done without coffee. It is the glue holding the entire enterprise together. If your office is anything like mine, there’s always a line around the machine, and little collections of dirty mugs litter every surface. This poster from Print Design Studio, a bespoke company specialising in office, infant and apartment artwork, will strike a chord with your team.
Buy now for $20 from Print Design Studio
2. The Happiest People
Artist & designer Matthew Taylor Wilson creates beautiful compositions from hand lettered words and sayings and whimsical illustrations. This saying reminds us the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, no matter what life - or the boss - throws our way,
3. Geoffrey Chaucer Motivational Print
Through his company, Obvious State, artist Evan Robertson makes beautiful art prints and motivational posters inspired by literary quotes. This famous quote from Geoffrey Chaucer is illustrated with shear blades opened to form a mountain peak, with the thread forming a path. The design was inspired both by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and by the Greek myth of the 3 fates, who measure and cut the thread of every person’s life.
Buy now for $25 from Obvious State.
4. Not to spoil the ending …
Cheer up a friend or a stressed-out colleague with a bit of positive inspiration from the Motivated Type studio. I love the black background, modern design and old-fashioned courier typewriter font on this poster.
Buy now from $14 from The Motivated Type
5. Thoreau quote poster
Beautiful brightly coloured, whimsical posters from Unraveled Design. The typography almost looks as if it’s unravelling on the page before you. This quote from Henry James Thoreau will inspire any artist or creative team to greatness.
Buy now for $25 from Unraveled Design
6. Make Today Ridiculously Amazing
Kevin Lucius is a graphic designer and artist in Chicago. His goal is to create digital art that makes people happy. This poster never fails to make me smile - don’t just make today a good day - make it ridiculously amazing.
Buy now for $20 from Lucius Art
7. From Humble Beginnings print
Designed by Dan Cassaro of Young Jerks (a crazy name for a design studio, but I love it) comes this modern, fun motivational art print. I love the bold, zigzagging typography on this poster, and I think it would look awesome on the wall in a startup or fledgling company to remind everyone to aspire to greatness.
8. “Is Cool” poster
Startup Vitamins are an awesome company producing motivational posters and products for startups and entrepreneurs. I loved this poster with it’s message about being awesome - a great piece to adorn the walls near your customer service or sales team.
Buy now for $36 from StartUp Vitamins
9. No one said it would be easy poster
Another Startup Vitamins design, this funky maze is a great visual representation of the trials and tribulations of working at a startup. Modern and visually striking, this would make a great piece of art for any office.
Buy now for $36 from Startup Vitamins
10. Carpe the Hell Out of this Diem
A twist on one of the most popular French sayings ever coined. This poster definitely makes me smile, and I love that the image also includes a rather incredulous-looking kitty.
Buy now for $5 from Planeta 444
Do you have a motivational poster in your office? What does yours say? What’s your favourite inspirational quote?