John Coulter sent me a bunch of wonderful Erik Nitsche images. This is the first of many to come, so amazing. I think this sort of illustrative design style is something that our generation has lost. You rarely see anything quite like this anymore. Most of the true illustrators these days stick to the sort of fanciful, handmade-looking things that you would expect and most pure designers stick with the computer producing things that sometimes feel a little too perfect. This is an example of how great things can be when you create graphic design by hand, in the real world. I know it’s not really practical in most commercial settings, you would hardly be competitive with other designers if you were trying to make everything by hand. But still, it would be nice to see a little bit more of this around. What’s really amazing is that this work of art was commissioned by a defense contractor, my how times have changed. I wonder if companies are just placing less emphasis on the printed form as they migrate to newer media, or if people simply don’t see the value in quality design like this anymore. Either way, it’s images like this that make me lament the passing of the golden age of design and the fact that I was born too late to be a part of it. I suppose that’s why I’ve always put so much emphasis on selling my work directly, by circumventing the world of client-driven design it’s still possible to create images with these ethics intact.
While discussing some plans for a future Tycho video with Ghostly, the Legowelt "Disco Rout" video by Brazilian firm Lobo.cx came up. This was an incredible video at the time (2002, Ghostly International), and still is. It’s like a bunch of European travel posters coming to life. Lobo did a great job making it all feel authentic while lending a modern edge with the 3D work. The song itself is amazing as well; the video fits it perfectly. Listening to this track always makes me think of driving an ’84 BMW down the Autobahn at speed with perforated driving gloves and Ray Ban Pilots. Jakub probably did that already, or at least mocked it up for a photo-op. See the video here >
People often ask about the origins or significance of my posters so I’ll be posting the stories behind them from time to time. Pictured above is the "Vuela" print, a variation of the "1971" print. I created this after I first visited Spain; Vuela in Spanish means "Flight". I saw this word everywhere in the airports and it stuck with me. I spent most of my time on that trip in the city of Barcelona which is filled with design and art, it truly is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. This poster was meant to evoke the same sort of feelings I got from the people and places I encountered on that trip. ISO50 Vuela Print >
Italian manufacturer Brionvega has reissued Richard Sapper and Marco Zansuso’s iconic TS502 portable radio, now dubbed the TS522. These things go for $250 which is a bit steep, especially considering I haven’t listened to the radio in years, but with this kind of style who cares what it does. Images via Anthony Mark
This image comes in via the Mid-Century Modernist in the comments of the RCA HiFi ’67 post. Very similar design here, I definitely prefer this version best. I love wanut / white combinations (if that is, in fact, walnut) and the blue screen is a perfect touch. Be sure to check out Mid-Century Modernist, it’s a great resource for vintage designer furniture.
This is the sign out front at the Camper Hotel, Barcelona. Camper is a Spanish company that makes great shoes and although I’m not sure what they’re doing in the hospitality industry, I’m all for it. This place was amazing, very nice design throughout. If you have a chance be sure to visit, it’s in the El Raval which is a very cool neighborhood with great design shops and one of the best book stores I’ve seen at the CCCB (where OFFF is held each year). Loved this sign, was a nice take on Americana via the venerable motel sign.
Here’s another version of the CBC Annual Report that I posted on a while back. I like the colors of this one more and the nice border and info panel add to the poster vibe. Not sure which is more loyal to the original, but as I said in the original post, I thought a more muted palette would serve it well, and here it is.
