THE OBJECT POSTER
This object poster, an advertisement for Priester matches, was designed by graphic artist Lucian Priester in 1906 (www.designishistory.com/1920/lucian-bernhard/). The poster won first prize in a design competition. It is is
considered by many as the singular design which launched the beginning of modern graphic design as we know it.
Its significance as a visual message is two fold: first, the use of a simplified image to convey the subject, second, the juxtaposition of a word with the image.
Its significance as a visual message is two fold: first, the use of a simplified image to convey the subject, second, the juxtaposition of a word with the image.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Phase I-
To begin this design project, choose an object you have some familiarity with. An object that is associated with an activity that you enjoy, or an object that you use on a regular basis.
To begin this design project, choose an object you have some familiarity with. An object that is associated with an activity that you enjoy, or an object that you use on a regular basis.
Render
it in simple colored shapes without outlines, visually reduced and
edited down to its visual essence as an object. Make your object image as simple as possible. Do not interpret and/or
express the object, only visually represent it
as it is—a quotidian object. Then choose a flat single color for
the background of the design that provides an appropriate context.
A good example of a contemporary “object poster” designer/illustrator is Michael Schwab (www.michaelschwab.com).
A good example of a contemporary “object poster” designer/illustrator is Michael Schwab (www.michaelschwab.com).
Phase II-
Juxtapose the image with a word that describes what the object is. Choose a typeface that is legible and easy to read, that communicates the object as text, but also appropriately signifies the word’s relationship with the image.
Next juxtapose the image with a word that describes what the object does.
Lastly juxtapose the image with a word that describes what the object stands for.
Experiment with word and image size, orientation, position and composition. Juxtapose the words with the image in a way that reinforces both the meaning and the form of the object.
The final object poster—a synthesis of the inherent, associative, and implied meaning of both the word and the object—although visually simple, can convey a rich and impactful message of the object, what it is, does, and conveys.
Juxtapose the image with a word that describes what the object is. Choose a typeface that is legible and easy to read, that communicates the object as text, but also appropriately signifies the word’s relationship with the image.
Next juxtapose the image with a word that describes what the object does.
Lastly juxtapose the image with a word that describes what the object stands for.
Experiment with word and image size, orientation, position and composition. Juxtapose the words with the image in a way that reinforces both the meaning and the form of the object.
The final object poster—a synthesis of the inherent, associative, and implied meaning of both the word and the object—although visually simple, can convey a rich and impactful message of the object, what it is, does, and conveys.
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PROJECT SCHEDULE
TH – January 19 Object Poster Project Launch
T – January 24 Object Image(s) are Due
TH – January 26 Object Image/Word Explorations are Due
T – January 31 Final Refined Object Poster(s) are Due
T – January 31 Final Refined Object Poster(s) are Due
