The Digital Revolution

The Mid 1980’s saw the introduction of digital tools into the field of graphic design in a way that would drastically change design forever. It marked the gradual move away from traditional methods which involved multiple specialists in various fields, to a refined realisation that graphic designer was the central figure in producing a work …

Psychedelia to Punk

The 1960’s and 70’s defined very iconic and unique styles in the history of design. The changing style was brought about by an increasing number of people (especially the younger generation) who sought to challenge cultural “norms” and began to question difficult/ controversial topics including civil rights, the Vietnam War, nuclear proliferation, the environment, drug use, …

Post War 1945-1965

Coming out of WWII in the early 1950’s, the world was starting to rebuild and recover. Troops were being re-integrated back into society after the war and restrictions on purchasing certain items were lifted. In America, this brought with it a sense of optimism for the future and resulted in a large economic boom, which …

WWII and The Great Depression

The period between 1930 and 1950 saw an interesting shift in graphic design from the more decorative styles of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, to simpler, more direct compositions, mostly as a result of political events of the era. With the Great Depression spanning the majority of the 1930’s, the stylish elements of the Art …

Art Deco

The Art Deco arts and architectural style emerged in the mid 1920’s, stretching until the 1930’s when an interest in the style died down, until it re-emerged in the 1960’s. It can be seen in a number of posters, buildings, furniture, fashion and homeware items from the time. The Chrysler Building in New YorkMovie Poster …

Abstract Art and the Rise of “Form Follows Function”

In the period between 1900 and 1930, there was a growing change in attitudes towards art and a drastic shift in style away from the highly ornamental, highly realistic artistic styles that had previously existed. This is a very broad time period, but it all works toward a similar goal of breaking the mould of …

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau is a stylistic movement which coincided with, and was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and can be seen not only in graphic design and illustration, but also furniture, jewellery, architecture and homewares. The movement spanned from 1890-1910 and was influential throughout Europe and the United States began as a response to …

The Arts and Crafts Movement

Emerging in the 1860’s, the Arts and Crafts movement was sparked by the negative impacts industrialisation was having on British society. It sought to rebel against the mass production of cheap, lower quality products at the time and bring the focus back to higher quality works that showed much more skill, intricacy and craftsmanship, while …