Graphic Design of Yore

[CharlieH.]

One of the things I adore (and I do mean adore) about the golden era is the graphics. From what I've seen, almost every form of printed media was carefully designed not only to sell a product or make a point, but to actually please the viewer. Beautiful graphics were practically everywhere, from lowly magazine ads-

To majestic travel posters-

Not to mention beverage labels-

Even matchbooks-

And get a load of those fonts! Designers sure liked their audience back then.

Nowadays, as I peek through design magazines all I see is eroded, dirty and messy images as well as gaudy prefabricated stripes and dots with gruesome bulgy "teeny-bopper" lettering, not to mention those cold, squarish and mechanical "cool" graphics that belong only on video games. Composition? Form? Order? Coherence? Thrown away along with good taste and creativity.

I know that times and tastes change with time, but can't we at least have some beauty every now and then?

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

If you haven't already, check out www.lileks.com There's an amazing amount of vintage epehemera and graphic art (including matchbooks) on that site. You'll love it!

 

[Weston]

As a former graphic designer, I can't agree enough. When I tried to give some clients a cool, 1930's look for nightclubs, they just wanted more scantily clad women. As I've noticed among advertising clients, the more they're worth going to, the less stuff/crap they have to cram into their ads.

Also, you've got to keep in mind that back in the day every advertising firm had dozens of men working away on illustration boards making those neat custom drawings for every occasion.