L.T 2.1
Consider what we have discussed regarding Late Modernism in the USA and The Swiss International Style. Do additional research on the Swiss International Style. (It may be a good idea to study some of the known designers of this style and period.) As a guide, visit designishistory.com, which gives a brief outline of specific designers and styles – take note that the Swiss International Style is listed under 1940, which is not incorrect as the style was developed in the late 40s but flourished in the 50s. Also, use additional reference sources of your own and do a write-up of the following:
- Research on the Swiss International Style:
After you have researched the style, describe it in your own words. How would you define the style? Do a write-up of about 350 words and discuss the characteristics of the style, the prominent typefaces, and the philosophy behind it. - Influences on Swiss International Style:
Do a write-up of about 350 words on what you think the main influences were on the Swiss International Style. In other words, what motivated designers to create and follow this style? It may be useful to study specific designers, such as Josef Müller-Brockmann and Armin Hofmann — pay attention to what they (or other designers amongst their peers) have said about the philosophy of the style. - Analysis of the Swiss International Style:
Read up on the different schools within the Swiss International Style: The Zurich School of Arts and Krafts and The Basel School of Design and do a write-up of the similarities between them and the differences in their approaches. This write-up should be your own conclusions, based on examples of work and stated facts, and should be approximately 350 words long.
The Swiss International Style
The innovators of the Swiss style combined elements and inspirations from various other artistic trends. This would result in the simplistic beauty of the Swiss style we know today. This style is otherwise known as the international style, and it does rely on using a grid system. However, there are asymmetrical layouts for this style. To go with this particular style, we usually use sans serif family typefaces. And rather then the use of illustrations, the use of photos is preferred.
This style, although it was further developed in the 1950’s by Switzerland, it does originate 30 years prior and grabs inspiration from the Russian suprematism and constructivism. The German design school based off Constructivism inspired work of Bauhaus and the Netherlands inspired style of De Stijl in the 1920’s.
This style was built on the idea that Design should be as invisible as possible, this is so the content and message of the overall design should shine trough rather then the artistic side. This style was very much used post war to gain attention and help brands build a personality after the tragic events of the war.
LT 2.2
- Objective observation
During the interview, Marian mentions, “When I worked at Digitopolis, I was working almost entirely on the computer, basically the computer and with photography. And now I am using a wide variety of materials, sometimes still involved with a computer and sometimes just with the materials themselves. But having a space like this allows me to obviously store them all, and to work on these various surfaces in different media.”
What is your opinion on the use of the computer combined with different media? Write one page (350 words) on your opinion of the importance of media and design and your take on the use of computer technology. - Pushing technology and changing philosophy
While describing her style development, Marian states, “I am not an expert on illuminated manuscripts by any stretch of the imagination, but there are a couple of purposes of it. But one of those purposes is definitely to invoke wonder in this way that was very interesting to me and was feeding directly into my ideas about that symbiotic relationship between graphics and text.”
How do you think this links to the philosophy of the Swiss International School? How is it different? Has technology given us an advantage in expressing the symbiotic relationship between image and text? What about Marian’s work? Is this reflected in her work? Do a write-up (350 words) on the relationship between image and text as seen in Marian’s work and relate this to the Swiss International School. Substantiate your answers with relevant facts. You may use a visual example of Marian’s work and that of the Swiss International School to facilitate your analysis.
Objective Observation
My opinion on the use of computer combined with other media. I find it very useful, to not entirely rely on a computer, and be able to step back and use other materials to create your designs. I’m a previous art student, and cosplayer so for me to be able to use a wide variety of materials and have different options for how I work is a necessity. To work only on the computer would be tedious and restrict my creativity, so I do agree with Marian. Working on various surfaces, as well as using various materials creates a lot more inspiration on the subject you’re working on.
When I have to create a design in illustrator, I usually come up with the idea beforehand, and draw it out from my sketches before I scan the design into the computer. This makes it a lot easier for me to work as a generally have a better idea of where I want to go and how I would like to solve the design issue I’m working on. The same for structures on brochures or webpages. I first like to lay it out on a piece of paper with placements before I make it digitally, as it gives me a clearer idea. And of course, sometimes design changes over the course of the process, but usually my template I have crated by hand helps inspire the end results in all my work.
For photos everything goes trough a camera and computer however the motive I am photographing might be made by hand as a inspiration for the current design I’m working on. These are just examples of why a wide variety of materials combined with computer use can be very positive in my opinion when it comes to design. For me personally too, when I have the opportunity to work by hand before I work on the computer it is easier for me not to get distracted by all that the computer brings such as social media etc.
stinesreflectivejournal.art.blog 