Historical Developments of Poster Design

Jim Fitzpatrick

Jim Fitzpatrick is a well-known Irish Artist known for his Celtic art. His earliest legendary piece of art was the poster of Che Guevara back in 1968. The works of well-known artist Aubrey Beardsley and Alphonese Mucha inspired Jim Fitzpatrick. When exposed by their art in the mid sixties at a summer trip to London. Fitzpatrick started his own poster company named “Two Bare Feet”, which was inspired by previous exhibitions that Jim Fitzpatrick he visited in London. Before long these posters hit a majority of households. “Fitzpatrick’s was a committed and impressionable Socialist and felt that this cultural fast track would bring his work to the masses”. (Biography of Jim Fitzpatrick)

Jim Fitzpatrick met Che Guevara whilst working as a barman in a hotel in Killkee, Co Clare. Che was on a stopover in Shannon Airport at the time when walking into the bar Jim Fitzpatrick recognised him straight away as he was an admirer of Guevara. Jim and Che had a brief conversation, which surprised Che, as he didn’t believe anyone would recognise him. Jim was surprised to find out that Che had an Irish background- his mother was from Cork Co. Che admitted that he did not know much of the Irish culture except hat Ireland was the first country to break free from the British empire. Jim Fitzpatrick was so intrigued by Che Guevara that later he produced a “quasi-psychedelic drawing of him to commorate his arrival in Bolivia” (biography of Jim Fitzpatrick)

Che Guevara was murdered later that year. Jim used this time to reproduce the drawing of Che in propaganda poster form, which was printed in magazines such as “Private Eye” in Britain and a number of European and American political magazines. Jim made sure the image was copyright free to make the reproduction excessive to anyone with this it had become a universal icon, displayed on banners, posters and t-shirts. This and caused so much controversy in the world with distributors being arrested and shop owners being threaten and harassed.

Aside from his Che poster, Jim's a huge Irish mythology and history scholar, and a large portion of his work is dedicated to re-imaginings of ancient Irish history and mythology. He is also known for memorable album covers designs for Thin Lizzy and Sinead O’Connor- but his true love is with the Celtic Art.

I admire the controversy of Jim Fitzpatrick the willingness not to be afraid to express what you believe in and to be able to voice your opinion in a political sense. I hope to portray this in my designs in the future.

Alphonse Mucha

Alphonse Mucha was born in 1860 in Moravia, which is near the city of born in the modern Czech Republic. It was once said that Mucha could draw before he could walk, (Mucha foundation.org) Alphonse Mucha was inspired by the art form in churches this epiphany drove him to become an artist himself, despite his fathers efforts to secure him a job as a clerk at a local court. In 1887 Alphonse moved to Paris to Study art. Mucha developed his own style it wasn’t until 1895 he presented a new style of art to the Persians, Mucha was asked to create a poster of Sarah Bernhardt’s play “Gismonda” The poster had a new form with it’s bright colours and flowing shapes it was given the name Art Nouveau (“New Art” in French) Over night Mucha name was legendary.

In the 1900’s the “Style Mucha” became the pattern for a whole generation of graphic designers and draughtsman. His stamp of authenticity was idealized, stylized figures of beautiful women, loosely framed in an ornamental way of flowers and foliage, symbols and arabesques. One of the most widespread pictorials motifs the “Style Mucha” was regarded as synonymous with the whole Art Nouveau movement.

In 1894 Alphonse Mucha design posters for several theatrical productions as well as magazines illustrations and advertising for Nestle food, Benedictine, Moet and Chandon and cigarette companies.

What interests me with Alphonse Mucha art work is the softness and flow each piece has the unity of colours together are harmonious I can see the influences that Alphonse Mucha had on Jim Fitzpatrick with the artistic shapes and stylized figures of beautiful girlishly graceful woman framed with Fawn and flowers. One of Mucha pieces I really admire is1889 Moet Chandon as I hope to for fill a long desire, which is to design wine labels.

Part Three

Consider the future development and directions of poster.

Graphic Design magazines are an awesome source of inspiration for Graphic Designers. We can use these resources for updating your skills, learning new ones. It keeps us in contact with what’s happening in the design world, so you’re never left behind with trends that are progressing around the world. Agda has Poster Annuals every year for Designers and up and coming Designers to enter, which is judged by the general public. This is a fantastic way to see the response of how the public perceives your work.

AGDA

The Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) is the national organisation for professional. As Australia's largest representative association of professional graphic designers, AGDA is uniquely placed to assist you in your development as a professional. AGDA is an association for designers who want to take control of their careers and businesses. Agda manages a program of awards, exhibitions, seminars and professional development activities for our members. Many of these activities are also available to the wider design and business communities.

Desktop

Desk Top was established 25 years ago, it delves into the world of Design. It opens it doors to news, events photography, animation, fashion, typography, packaging, digital media, web design, post-production, illustration, gaming design and more… Desktop connects with thousands of passionate Creative Professionals and Enthusiasts around the world.

Desktop issues are distributed every 8 weeks. Subscriptions for Desktop - 12 months - $89.00 and for 24 months - $159.

Digital Arts

Digital Arts is a magazine published in the UK. DA, deliverer’s high quality content for the professional readership. Digital Arts is a resource for both in print and online providing information on Type, Tutorials, illustrations, photography and much more…

Subscriptions- 13 months $196.85 released monthly.

IdN

International Design Network magazine is a fast forward up beat design magazine. It’s not afraid to test the out there designs. IdN is published 6 times yearly (every 2 months). IdN is more-than-ever focused in delivering the brilliant works from motion creative’s... Broadcasting to homes and public screens worldwide! All IdN issues comes included with complimentary DVD, playing a theme-based visual compilation of the brilliant and latest shorts films, TV commercials, music videos, animations, interviews, behind-the-scenes and creative motion contents.

Reference:

http://moveablefeasta.blogspot.com/2008/07/jim-fitzpatrick.html

http://www.jimfitzpatrick.ie/

http://www.all-art.org/symbolism/mucha1.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_works_by_Alphonse_Mucha

http://www.muchafoundation.org

http://www.artinthepicture.com/paintings/Alphonse_Mucha/Moet-et-Chandon/

http://posterannual.agda.com.au/

http://www.magnation.com/Desktop-423.php

http://idnworld.com/

http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/

http://graphicdesign.about.com/od/history/a/timeline1.htm