The assignment for this project was to create a poster paying homage to a particular designer. I chose Josef Müller-Brockmann, a Swiss graphic designer who played a major role in the evolution of the International Typographic Style.
I began this assignment by studying his posters and researching his design style. I found that his goal was to create graphic expression through objective and impersonal expression. He wanted to eliminate subjective feelings and propagandistic techniques of persuasion and often used a grid system in his designs. The grids were often hidden. However, in a 1980 exhibition poster (see below), a grid system underlying his work was visible and was a major element of the poster.
One of his most well known pieces was the
der Film exhibition poster (see below). He used mathematical spatial division to achieve harmony of design.
Müller-Brockmann was also known for designing concert posters (see below). In these posters, his idea was to create a visual counterpart to the structural harmony of the music.
After researching Josef Müller-Brockmann's posters and design style, I created thumbnail sketches of my own designs emulating his style.
I then created four designs on the computer emulating and paying homage to Josef Müller-Brockmann.