My Favorite Designer

Despite the fact that I titled this post "My Favorite Designer," I am not familiar with enough designers to really have a favorite. However, there are two artists whose designs I really enjoy. I am excited to share their work with you guys! 

First is Oskar Fischinger, who was born in Germany but lived much of his life in the U.S. He was an abstract animator and painter who tried to visualize music through his colorful abstract designs and animations. 

Here is a still from one of his animations, Kreise. 

Image from the film Kreise by Oskar Fischinger

And here is one of Fischinger's paintings: 

Pulling Whirl, 1964
 Oil on Canvas, 20 x 16

I think I enjoy Fischinger's designs because of the rhythm that he is able to create through repetition of similar forms. I also think he creates a compelling balance between harmony and variety, and I like his use of asymmetry. 

Here is a link to a website devoted to Oskar Fischinger: http://www.centerforvisualmusic.org/Fischinger/

The next artist I'd like to share on this blog is Peter Callesen. Peter Callesen is a Danish artist. He uses paper to create intricate sculptures, and all his works are made from one sheet of paper.

Here are two works by Callesen: 

Distant Wish, 2006 

Acid-free A4 115 gsm paper and glue

Looking back, 2006  

Acid free A4 115 gsm paper and glue

What I enjoy the most in the Callesen pieces is the importance of negative space, the craftsmanship, and the juxtaposition of the everyday material of flat paper with the intricacy of his sculptures. 

Here is a link to Callesen's website: http://www.petercallesen.com/home/

Cheerio!

Susi Lopera 

My Favorite Designer (and My First Post)!

Hello! This is my first post!!! May it be the first of many (hopefully good quality) contributions to the blog. How exciting!
I've chosen a designer named Paul Morrison for an upcoming class project. He's from the UK and did his MA and Postgraduate work at Goldsmiths College of Art. His art features a lot of varied line measure, negative space, and organic subject matter. I really like his work and his style. Hope you do too!

by Paul Morrison

I think this is my favorite of his pieces. The asymmetry and economy made it stand out to me.

A Great Designer

I love the use of color and shapes in the work.  I think his designs just pop and are incredible intriguing.  This designer is Ryan McGunniess.  Check him out, for sure!

My Favorite Designer

My Favorite Designer is John Henry Alvin. He is an American graphic designer who is best known for designing famous film posters. He uses still images from and fonts unique to the movies while incorporating his own style into the poster. I would also like to focus on incorporating photography into design.

(http://fearlessflyer.com/2012/05/9-inspiring-graphic-designers-and-their-distinct-design-styles/)

Charles (Charley) Harper

Harper stood out to me as I was searching through the list of suggested Graphic Designers. I had seen one or two of his pieces before, but this was the first time I had viewed most of it. I love the whimsical nature scenes that he creates.

(Perfect for the beginning of Fall!)
(grainedit.com)

(justmeandyouandadognamedboo.wordpress.com)

(wikipedia.com)

I hope you enjoy his work too!

-Bryn Olason

Alphonse Mucha & Art Nouveau

Alphonse Mucha is an internationally known Czech Art Nouveau artist. I first saw his work while studying abroad in Prague, where he is hailed as a national hero for his paintings and designs. Mucha got his early start in advertising, where he designed posters for a famous actress in Paris and cigarettes.

"Job - only smoke our cigarettes if you have levitating hair."
Photo from Mucha Foundation

Mucha's work is characterized by organic details, an affinity to circular shapes and beautiful women. He created lots of panel work, featuring several paintings and designs as a themed bundle - see examples below. 

"Times of the Day" - note the framed archway

"Seasons" - subject still framed, but in flowers/branches

Some of his most impressive work came at the end of his life, when he returned to the Czech Republic to pursue large-scale, mural-like paintings altogether named "Slav Epic." I was fortunate enough to catch the "Slav Epic" series while it was in Prague, and got to see these massive floor-to-ceiling paintings myself. 

Incredibly detailed, capturing Slavic history (floating people may depict some historical inaccuracy)

Don't let these giant humans fool you - these paintings are huge.
Photo courtesy of Russianculture.wordpress

Mucha successfully pursued jewelry making, glass design and interior design - some of his best known work are paintings and glasswork showcased all across the country in the Czech Republic, in famous buildings and cathedrals. 

I strongly urge you to check out his work: http://www.muchafoundation.org/. 

All Hail Mucha!

-Connie K.

My Favorite Designer

My favorite designer is Dieter Rams, who led the design at Braun for many years. I pinned his 10 principles of good design on my cork board. "Good design is as little design as possible," is my favorite principle.

Learn more about Rams and his 10 principles.