I was inspired
by Aaron and Melanie’s posts about propaganda and design, so I decided to do
some research of my own about it.
We encounter propaganda posters constantly on a day-to-day basis. By controlling which colours, images, type and composition used within these posters, designers are controlling the way we see things.
For example, Barack Obama's political campaign poster. Red, white and blue have been used within the face of Obama, of course, to evoke patriotic feelings connected to the man. The balance of soft blue with strong red tones may show that Obama can be stern and commanding, but also sincere and caring. The positioning of his face suggests a humble, yet determined temperament.
Colour, tone and composition are simple tools that we as designers have control over, we get to decide how the viewer feels when they look at our work, which I think is something we should definitely keep in mind over the next few years!
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| Shepard Fairey (2008), Barack Obama's political campaign poster. |
On a lighter note, I stumbled across some really cool social media propaganda posters here by graphic designer Aaron Wood.
The posters mimic the style used in WWII war propaganda posters, but use social media (twitter, facebook and google+) as the subject matter instead.
The posters mimic the style used in WWII war propaganda posters, but use social media (twitter, facebook and google+) as the subject matter instead.
Designers involved:
Shepard Fairey
Aaron Wood
Shepard Fairey
Aaron Wood
Retrieved 9th April 2013
Post by Laura Barge
The point Laura made about how we as designers have control over, and get to decide how the viewer feels when they look at our work is crazy. Its something that we never really think about, considering we have so much power as designers. Basically everything we design is made to make the viewer or consumer feel a particular way and give them a certain mentality about the product.
ReplyDeleteI also thought that it was interesting having the posters based around the social media as I believe that they are such a massive part of networking and gaining important information of whats going on in the world. Especially in the industry that we are all immersed in.
I don't really like the images as much aesthetically, but i still respect the idea. I think they could be resolved abit more to create a more interesting poster that mimics WWII propaganda posters.
- Brittnee
I agree!!
ReplyDeleteUsing social media in the style of a propaganda form is almost ironic to me!
Before the internet the only way of communicating with people was mainly through letters, getting news out to people was mostly done through newspapers but the one of the fastest ways of getting news out to everyone was through posters around the place. Taking advantage of this, propaganda posters became really effective at getting their point across.
I find it quirky and interesting that Aaron Wood choose to advertise modern social networks in such a way, it really makes you think. Its a contradiction between old means of communication and modern.
by Dana
Delete