The 1960s saw an evolution in graphic design. Like in the 1950s, you still had Saul Bass creating movie posters and a lot of earth tones dominating advertisements. However, changes were happening – from Paul Rand in 1960 modifying the IBM logo he designed in 1956 to LSD-inspired psychedelia adorning record sleeves and concert posters.
Alan Fletcher and Erik Nitsche gained prominence for their branding campaigns, whereas Keiichi Tanaami dipped his artistic wand into animation, lithograph, illustration and editorial design. The styles of the various graphic designers of the ’60s show a distinct contrast, with some holding onto the staid and prim style of the 1950s while others delved into experimentation – with and without mind-altering drugs.
1960s Japanese book cover designs. Note the muted colors.
Fillmore concert poster by Wes Wilson.
Pirelli slippers ad by Alan Fletcher. Note the scruffy beard on the bus rider in the back.
More psychedelia, this time in record cover form.
1964 book cover with graphic design by Elaine Lustig.
European typograph layout.
The often controversial OZ magazine.
Art by Sister Corita Kent, a nun and pop artist who gained prominence in the ’60s.
An example of Keiichi Tanaami’s psychedelic art.
The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” was designed by Heinz Edelman.
Grateful Dead poster by Alton Kelley, a designer big in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury scene.
From an Expo 67 guidebook. Notice how this could also be from the ’50s.
More design by Elaine Lustig, this time from 1966.
Victor Moscoso’s 1967 poster for a Quicksilver concert.
1962 book cover.
Poster from 1969.
Minimalism in a 1960s biology book.
1963 poster with ’50s-influenced earth tones.
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thx!
It’s interesting that you can see the glaring shift in culture that was the 60′s in these pictures- so few of these pieces evoke traditional 50′s values. Thanks for the post!
the russian short stories cover sort of remind me of twitter..
Sometimes, retro designs still got their charms.
Very cool stuff!!!
Thanks for the compliments! If you like this type of stuff and will be in the San Francisco Bay Area this weekend, you might want to check out Flaststock 25 — By the Bay, a rock poster show in Golden Gate Park.
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/07/07/san-francisco-rock-p.html
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Ah… I really liked the art of the 60s, doesn’t matter if people say it’s drug induced, but it is art. The whimsical designs are GREAT, and the use of color, while being very radical, still follows a distinct philosophy. Thanks for this post!
wonderful article very helpful inded.
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There are people who can not appreciate some fine achievements of those years
Because their minds are permanently altered and they don’t remember the ’60s? Or just because they’re snooty?
I think one of the most important things in design or art in general is respecting where is came from and how it got there. Whether you like a particular style or not doesn’t matter…especially when it comes to your client. Being able to embrace the depth of various tastes and take on the challenge is what helps to grow in this field. LOVE this spread! Great pics!
To the “your gay” person…first learn to spell and ignorance and stupidity are not a good characteristics. Funny how people say something with such boldness and then have nothing intelligent to say to back their opinion(and hide behind and idiotic user name). Little minds…little ideas :-p
Any ’60s fan will love the new She & Him video: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/video-she-him-reference-the-sixties-in-dont-look-back-20110119
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