Part 5: Research - Posters - part 1

Generally poster is a printed paper which is designed to be attached to the wall. Its main purpose is to visually convey a message so it has to be eye-catching and informative. It may be designed wholly graphical, textual and as a combination of those elements.

Throughout his long history it documented everything: from advertising, propaganda, and protest to the reproduction of famous artworks. Having on mind all that wideness of use, it was hard to select the most inspiring because there are a lot of them either modern or vintage ones. I came across to many internet galleries which have great examples, and I also have a quite good collection in my books. I have already presented some of my favorite posters for Assignment 3, but there are a lot more.

I will go back to 1960’ and 1970’ to present Wes Wilson, one of the most influential poster designer who was especially famous for his work on rock’n’roll posters.

Wes Wilson is American artist, famous for his work for Bill Graham of the The Fillmore in San Francisco. His style based on moving and melting letters is described as a psychedelic and it is regarded as a synonym of psychedelic era in 1960’.

What I particularly like about his work is readability and hierarchy which wasn’t easy to accomplish when we look at those custom-made, non standard “awkward” letters. I easily got all the information from the posters after I was attracted to its unique designs.

I like this combination of pink and soft green. Those two opposite colors can clash easily but with right use of color values it can create dynamic and harmony. All the important information is in right size and very notable.

Unlike its common wholly typographic posters, this one has a combination of photo and text. Two complementary colours in proper values create simplicity which is a good background for all typefaces used here.

This limited color palette poster accomplished its dynamic and appeal throughout its subordinate dark violet background and a vivid pink. I like the combination of typefaces, its hierarchy and graphic simplicity with a clear message.

Another great design that uses two contrasting colours: dark blue and yellow. This is a typographic illustration in a form of a head with brain inside that is visually suitable to "Mindbenders". Again good hierarchy provides notability for crucial information.

 

This is a poster for performance of American rock band called Sons of Champlin. The most striking detail here is a word THEM in 3D effect. It looks amazing,  like a fiery ball. Subtle grey-violet and petrol blue provide a good contrast to vibrant red letters.

 

Another great poster that has his personal mark. Letters of different sizes are distorted  and they look like a one big mass that overflows from one spot to another. The illustration of a woman's body is placed inside. All elements are distinctive because of its contrast and uniqueness. Good hierarchy again helped to determine priority when it comes to information.

Another poster that is typical Wilson work. I like the combination of analog colors such as red and orange which combined with beige provide harmony and contrast.

 

I found this poster as a real work of art. I love everything about it; colors are so well combined, while typographic illustration would be effective if was only black on white. It is amazing how he successfully and free played with typography and still preserved crucial things in design; giving the right information following priorities.

 

When I look at this poster I have a feeling that I am looking at some odd interesting curtains and for some reason it reminds me on thetar. His work could be regarded as optical illusions, because I really have a feeling that letters are flowing, melting, and rippling. Good color choice makes it modern and interesting.

 

Here is design that uses a few subtle colors with enough contrast to make all the information notable. It looks like an illustration of a concert venue that hosted bands listed in circle, or it could be a microphone, or a tree. I am not sure about it but I like it. All crucial information grab attention immediately.

Links:
http://www.wes-wilson.com/bill-graham-presents.html
http://www.collectable-records.ru/images/post/wilson/