design:related - goerlitz's inspirations

Alan Fletcher

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:04:59 GMT

I hardly know any British designers, but Alan Fletcher (1931-2006) is a huge source of inspiration to me, and a great many others judging by the success of his books.

It was actually a friend of mine who introduced me to Fletcher, by giving me a copy of his most famous book: The Art of Looking Sideways

Allegedly it took Fletcher 18 years to complete this bible of graphic design - and I'm not surprised by this fact. In it you'll find a multitude of inspiration, covering a spectrum far beyond any other book on graphic design I have ever come across. The range of designs it covers is mindboggling.

A funny fact: When browsing through the pages of this book, you can easily spot numerous famous campaigns and identities, which have been heavily influenced by various spreads from the book!

Enough ranting - this book speaks for itself! Once you have set your eyes on a couple of these pages at your local book store, I find it hard to imagine NOT buying the book...

*UPDATE*
I just came across this video interview concerning the preparation of the book, which I wanted to share as well!

Shepard Fairey

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 21:43:18 GMT

Unlike most Shepard Fairey fans, I didn't connect with the Obey campaign as my starting point of his art.

I'm a huge fan of his poster designs - not only as limited artwork, but also his commercial work like Walk the Line, Led Zeppelin, as well as various music and concert designs.

Other than that, I have to highlight his recent political work for Obama. I'm not American and can't vote, but these posters are extremely beautiful, in my opinion.

Michael Doret

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:24:41 GMT

Honestly I don't know where to begin or end with Michael Doret. But his designs and the overall originality and quality in his work, just blows me away. Check out his online portfolio to get a glimpse of his genius.

Aage Rasmussen

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:24:32 GMT

Aage Rasmussen's (1913-1975) work is very famous in Denmark, as he has designed the best reckognized poster for the Danish Railways (DSB) in 1937. The poster was so good that it was revised and reused by DSB twice, decades after its first introduction.

I like his early work the most, where the cubistic art deco elements are most present.

Bonus: Rasmussen was a personal friend of - and inspired by - renowned french designer, Adolphe Mouron Cassandre, who's ocean liner posters have become quite a cubistic and art deco icon.