Post One, 1.14


Signs and symbols are everywhere and we have been using them to understand and frame our perceptions since the beginning of time. It is fascinating to try to understand where our inspirations have stemmed from, in terms of symbols, graphics and designs. Posters give us a great insight into influences and inspirations, and how these change over periods of time. 

For example, this poster by Edouard Vuillard from 1890 takes inspiration from woodblocking prints of Japanese typefaces and Japanese characters, as well as the influence of photography. I really enjoy how simple and effective the poster is, with firm outlines and flat color. It is interesting to read about what an influence Japanese styles had on french artists such as Vuillard. 

I also enjoy this poster, “The Swiss Poster” from 1984 by Wolfgang Weingart, as it shows the computer’s influence that started to take place in the 70’s and 80’s. I love the colors and the imagery that takes shape in the poster and how they work together in a cohesive and interesting way. We can see the stark contrast between the simplistic ways in which designers create posters before the influence of computers when we compare the two posters here.




I also want to include a poster that I found after reading about Japanese influential style and woodblock prints, which shows the way that the unique style of woodblocking was used in Japanese posters that eventually had great influence in the Western world. I think the design of this poster is lovely, with the actual blocking of colors and the Japanese type in white over the colors, while the type is in color over the white break at the top. The face being stylized and in black really stands out.

Sources:

Hollis, Richard. Graphic Design: a Concise History. Thames & Hudson, 2016.
DesignTypography, Posted in Graphic, et al. “Japanese Graphic Design: Beautiful Artwork and Typography.” Design Your Way, 7 Jan. 2020, www.designyourway.net/blog/graphic-design/japanese-graphic-design/.

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