‘These examples of modern Japanese poster design, brought together in an Anglo-Japanese co-publication, show a vibrant modern tradition that has developed its own independent spirit. Here old and new, East and West, meet in creative fusion. The classical aesthetic of Japanese culture is evident in every instance. It is encapsulated in the word “kirei”, which embraces simplicity, beauty, purity and ambience, and demands a high level of technical and formal skill combined with a particular subtlety of expression. At the same time, these posters inspire new ways of seeing. The boldness of their coded forms frees them from the banality of everyday advertising. The advertised products themselves need not appear at all. The designs evolve their own strange, fascinating messages, delightful conundrums of discovery and deconstruction. Created by a culture famed for its devotion to the fleeting instant, the Japanese poster crystallizes evocative, enduring images within a single glimpse.’
This book shows, for the first time, all of Hans Hillmann’s film posters. Unpublished sketches and drafts from his estate along with commentary from conversations and interviews provide an insight into the creative process of the award-winning designer.
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Advertising Design, Design Archive Feature, Members Only Content
Little is known about the designer Günther Heil. he established his graphic studio in Berlin and designed many advertisements for 8mm and 16mm film distributor Bruno Schmidt in the 1960s. These were created in the same era as the film distributor Atlas Films was sending films to art-house theatres and were hiring designers Hans Hillmann, Hans Michel, Günther Kieser, Wolfgang Schmidt and Karl Oskar Blase.
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Corporate Identity & Branding, Design Archive Feature, Members Only Content, Regional Histories
Giovanni began his work with Olivetti in March 1938, and his work was showcased in various exhibitions and had a clear distinctive style that amplified the Olivetti brand image. His design defined the company’s visual image, and the iconic geometric designs are still as powerful and engaging today as they were in the 1950s.
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