LT – 2.1. Modern design in America

The task

Part 1

Explore social media and the Internet to find examples of conceptual illustrations that aptly describe a complex political, social or cultural idea. See if you can find examples of:

publications that address global issues and so-called wicked problems; and
publications that address national issues (like your local newspaper for example).

Write a sentence or two about these illustrations and publish them on your WordPress blog. Remember to give credit to the publication and (if possible) to the illustrator.

Eiko Ojala’s Editorial Illustrations

Eiko Ojala creates digital illustrations that often look like paper-cut artworks. His work for publications like The New York Times and Harvard Business Review addresses topics such as climate change, loneliness, and inequality. His minimalist style uses negative space and layering to evoke strong emotional and intellectual responses to global challenges

Illustration of Climate Change and Migration

A striking illustration by George Butler in The Guardian juxtaposes the effects of climate change on migration patterns. Using bold, abstract visuals and muted tones, the artwork depicts the interconnectedness of global warming and human displacement, emphasizing urgency and global responsibilitycial Inequality Depictions

Part 2

Today you’ll design a psychedelic poster. You can use this poster in your leaflet for the course assignment.

Here is a handy Photoshop tutorial in two parts on how to create a 1960s psychedelic poster (but feel free to do it your own way):

LT – 2.2. Postmodern design

The task

Today you’ll design a Pop Art-style poster. You can use this poster in your leaflet for your course assignment. The subject doesn’t matter – it’s completely up to you.

The article below will show you various examples within the style – don’t be tempted to use an existing Canva template! The idea is for you to understand and appreciate how to use this style in modern-day graphic design.

Instead, look at the examples showcased, take inspiration from them, and apply them to your design. There are many YouTube tutorials as well – explore and have fun.

LT – 2.3. The digital revolution

The task

Today you’ll design a poster where the New Wave/Punk style is evident. You can use this poster in your leaflet for the course assignment. Again, the poster’s subject doesn’t matter; it’s your choice.

Read the article below where Emily Gosling talks about how the ‘New Wave Graphics are the most influential designs you’ve probably ignored: the slippery, unashamedly pop-leaning genre changed everything – graphics included’. The article features wonderful examples of the genre you can use as inspiration.

LT – 2.4. Challenges ahead

The task

Find a graphic designer from history you’ve never come across before. Someone less known to the public that you feel needs some acknowledgement. Write a short paragraph (three to five sentences) about them and why you find their work inspiring and important.

Choose one or two of their works to add to your paragraph.

Elizabeth Friedländer.

She was a trailblazer as the first woman to create typefaces for Bauer Types in 1927, including Elizabeth Antiqua and Elizabeth Kursiv. Born in Germany, Friedländer faced persecution during World War II due to her Jewish heritage, which led her to flee first to Italy and later to the UK. During the war, she contributed to British propaganda by producing counterfeit Nazi documents. Post-war, she designed for Penguin Books and created beautiful patterned papers and typographic ornaments.

One of her standout works was her contributions to the post-war Penguin book covers, which helped define the publisher’s visual identity. Her resilience and artistry make her an inspiring figure in graphic design history