graphic design history visualized

The Gutenberg Bible 1455

Named after its printer, Johannes Gutenberg, the Gutenberg Bible is the first work to be printed with movable type. The book marks a significant point in graphic design history as it represents the beginning of mass-printing.

The Gutenberg Bible, Taschen

Arts and Crafts 1880 – 1910

The Arts and Crafts movement developed in opposition to the mass-produced design following the Industrial Revolution. Being a philosophy as much as a design style, the idea was to return to the quality and personality of hand crafted items. William Morris was at the forefront of the movement and believed in surrounding oneself with good design that was both functional and beautiful.

Acanthus Wallpaper, William Morris, 1875

Art Nouveau 1890 – 1910

Similar to the Arts and Crafts movement which took place during the same time, Art Nouveau is characterized by organic lines and ornamental flourishes. Designs often portrayed elements of nature and female figures. Alphonse Mucha is one of the most notable names from this period.

Zodiac, Alphonse Mucha, 1896

Expressionism 1905 – 1933

Expressionists sought to portray emotion at the cost of realism. Forms were dramatized and distorted, heavy strokes, shadows and bold colors were common. Part of what made Expressionism successful was the emotion it evoked in its viewers, making the art more memorable.

The Sick Child, Edvard Munch, 1886

Cubism 1907 – 1914

Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque are two of the artists most known for establishing the Cubist art style. Coined after a comment on one of Braques works as composed of cubes, Cubism features scenes and figures abstracted into shapes. This rejection of traditional perspective for a more fragmented depiction of reality continues to influence art and design.

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Pablo Picasso, 1907

Futurism 1909 – 1916

Futurism, having its origin in Italy, strove to embrace concepts such as innovation, speed, violence, and youth. Recurring motifs as cars, people and animals in motion, illustrated the dynamism that the movement was about — rejecting the past and moving towards the future.

Perfume, Luigi Russolo, 1910

Dadaism 1916 – 1923

Those who adhered to Dadaism held to the belief that all things were devoid of real meaning. This philosophy extended to art, literature, music, and film. As an art movement it favored the style of montage and elements placed seemingly at random.

Cut with the Dada Kitchen Knife through the Last Weimar
Beer-Belly Cultural Epoch in Germany, Hannah Höch, 1919

Constructivism 1919 – 1930

Constructivism began in Russia at the onset of Communism and propelled the idea of constructing art into something that could be manufactured for the benefit of society. Other artists and designers, however, continued with a more abstract and analytical style inspired by Cubism and Futurism.

Proun 19D, El Lissitzky, 1922

Bauhaus 1919 – 1933

"Form follows function" is the central principle taught by this German design school. Building off of previous movements, the style that developed during its existence often consisted of geometric shapes combined with fine art. Bauhaus has impacted the graphic design industry significantly and its principles are still taught today.

K VII, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, 1922

Art Déco 1925 – 1939

Beginning in Paris, Art Déco flourished between the two World Wars and received international recognition. It brought simplicity, energy, and glamour together into a style that spanned essentially all areas of design.

Black and White, Jose de Almada-Negreiros, 1929

Swiss Style 1950s

Also known as International Typographic Style, the movement originated in Switzerland and quickly became popularized. Its designs were often based on a grid system with simple and asymmetrical layouts featuring sans-serif typefaces. Josef Müller-Brockmann is well-known for his distinct Swiss style posters.

Der Film, Josef Müller-Brockmann, 1960

The Creative Revolution 1950 – 1970

The Creative Revolution, as it was later titled, was a breakthrough in advertising. Companies promoted their brand through self-deprecating humor or irony to appeal to its younger consumers, pairing catchy phrases with images that emphasized its selling point. Graphic design was a tool in forming these creative campaigns.

Volkswagen advertisement, 1965

Pop Art 1955 – 1980

The Pop Art movement brought everyday objects from popular culture, especially American, into the realm of art and design. It celebrated the ordinary in contrast to elitist art, and objects such as packaging and advertisement became the center point of imagery. Campbell's soup and vivid comic book inspired portraits are iconic motifs from this period.

Drowning Girl, Roy Lichtenstein, 1963

Psychedelia 1958 – 1975

Influenced by the vividness of Pop Art and the prevalence of hallucinatory drugs, the style features striking colors and abstract swirls of lines and type. Elements of Art Nouveau are often seen in works from this time, many of which were posters made to promote music shows and festivals.

Peacock Ball, Victor Moscoso, 1967

Postmodernism 1970 – 2000

A shift in ideology to believing in a subjective reality rather than objective led to a more controversial approach to design that challenged previous systems. Both Punk and digital design belong to this broad movement and it is debated whether the postmodern era has truly ended.

Joy Division "Unknown Pleasures", Peter Saville, 1979