A while back I stumbled upon the work of Sandy Karman. This young Indonesian designer is well on his way to becoming Indonesia’s first AGI member. Nice1.

The last issue of NewWork Magazine brought to my attention the work of Werner Jeker. We, as graphic designers, often times are confronted with an argument of “laziness”. This particularly comes when a designer seems to rely too heavily upon a photographer’s merits. However, I ask the critics “is a conductor of an orchestra lazy?” Werner Jeker is a true master of photographic image and cropping like his contemporary Bruno.

“He is my favorite and strongest counter example whenever I run into some narrow minded “expert” that tries to convince me that a particular poster is no good because the designer “just used a photograph” instead of drawing a picture himself.”

Swiss.

This is old news, but a recent find. The Chicago International Poster Biennial kicked off last year with an amazing show of international entries. It’s amazing how this flew under the radar seeing that this country needs a whole lot more exposure to the rich world of posters. The winning posters are a bit dubious, but I’m super excited for next year’s show. Enjoy Friday.

We’ve seen this slogan steadily evolve from an iconic phrase to a public image. Ever since it’s popped into the public eye it has filled me with a sense of unease. It has not comforted me.

Before all the accusations of haterade come, let me clarify my queasiness. First, it’s an ominous and uncredited design. This immediately causes alarm in our heavily authored age. Through the poster I hear Big Brother, who I usually ignore like Helen Keller for better or for worse.

Second, it is historically rooted in WWII England. That time period and place was nerve racking in a very real sense. If one bombing put my nation on edge, imagine what the Blitz must’ve felt like.

Third, the orange red used in the backdrop of this poster is NOT calming. Lastly, I find the use of it questionable. On one hand, there is a LOT of things we should be worried about, and I am not talking about the economy. However, the way it has been transformed from citizen-authored public message to yuppie-design-object, is plain upsetting. It is a very well designed poster. The color choice is spot on, considering that it was a “last case scenario” piece. A reddish orange that causes both alarm and calm brings the right mix of awareness. But I ponder its use in these times. Do we really need to wear it, drink from it, carry it and put it up on our walls? I find this as another sad case of people turning a quick buck by capitalizing on people’s fears. I really think this is a current image that needs to be questioned and I would love to hear what our UK readers think.

David Klein poster displayed at a vendor. As graphic design history students, we are shown slide, after slide, after slide shows of posters, but nothing is like seeing them in person! The vibrant and crisp ink on paper can never be done justice as digital replicas. So, when my co-worker asked me to join her at this year’s International Vintage Poster Fair in New York, I said, “Yes!” There were 25 dealers showcasing amazing historical and contemporary posters from early object posters to Chinese propaganda posters. The one that struck me the most–I had to go over and salivate in front of it three times–was a poster designed by David Klein in the late 50’s for TWA. If I only had $1850 sitting around! Ahhh, the recession… If you’re in town and have nothing to do this weekend, go check out the show. The entry fee is $15, but well worth it. Wine and cheese provided. This will one day in hang in my living room wall:

Will I buy something from Mr. Armin Hofmann?

Or from Wolfgang Weingart?

Or Rosemarie Tissi?

Or I could invest and pay homage to the ever great Skolos-Wedell?

Or should I just go with the aforementioned Wim Wenders?

My buddy, and fellow Hugger, Swinehart, yes, THE elusive Swinehart, has recently informed me of the existence of a fantastic poster shop not too far from my place. It is called Posteritati and yes, it is fantastic. Was very tempted to purchase any one of these Japanese versions of the Paris, Texas movie poster. Which reminded me to visit another fantastic poster store, and that is the one in Boston, known simply asInternational Poster Gallery. There you may find any number of prints to drool over. I have been scratching my head and still contemplating how I will invest my next bit of extra cash. Tough choices. Tough choices indeed…..