The industrial revolution changed everything, from fashion and culinary arts to design and composition. Before the industrial revolution when food was scarce, eating large quantities was sign of wealth, but the opposite was true after. The elite started to distinguish themselves by putting value on quality and presentation, rather than quantity.
Similarly composition changed during that time when everything could be reproduced quickly overshadowing the importance of artistry. It is not a surprise that designers decided to move towards more unique, and involved design compositions.
Looking back to see how the past influences the present is an interesting question that is not easily answered. Especially since there is an entirely new technologically that was created less than twenty years ago, allowing for the everyday person to create one of kind compositions.
As you may have noticed I am interested in the power of advertisements, and the psychology behind the designs that sell products. Kate Spade’s new advertisement campaign has been grabbing my attention, which is kind of creepy since she recently passed away. These are some of her best ads ever, and she is no longer here to appreciate them.
I think Kate would be really be impressed with the advertisement’s use of design and color. I can compare the ‘reverence for color and pattern’ of Kate Spade’s advertisements to the Art Nouveau error.
There are also a lot of advertisements that have successfully used negative space. That being said, many of these brands aren’t my favorite, but they successfully created something out of nothing.
The simplistic German Posters style is also readily used in mainstream advertising campaigns, like McDonalds and Heinz Chili Collection advertisements. The use of color and minimalistic design seem to be a repeat of history. Who knows if it was an intentional nod to the German Posters style, but the similarities are undeniable. I guess what works in the early 1900’s, still works to this day. Maybe psychologically we haven’t changed much.
Write 350+ words on your site describing a specific place you see one of these historical ideas appearing today.
Building on your ability to make precise selections, create two complex photomontages that embrace the elements and principles of design we discussed in class. Use them to focus on an idea you would like to explore.
