Reflection
In the very last lecture for graphic design, we learnt how graphic design grows and changes into the ‘graphic design’ we known today. In the lesson, typography, logos, posters, books and magazines covers, etc… were introduced. I am mostly interested in the 1960s Esquire covers which catches my eyes.
The Esquire magazine & George Lois
It is an American men’s magazine founded in 1933. Its target audience is “successful men and men who want to be successful”.
George Lois as the art director of the Esquire magazine, produced iconic and remarkable covers in the 1960s, that depicts social controversy and challenges social norms in the 60s US.
Some iconic examples of the 1960s Esquire magazine covers:
June 1964- Kennedy without tears.
The 35th U.S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated on 22 November 1963. This is then published 7 months after (due to long time of publication and printing process). This political image-making is for a memorable article of Kennedy’s political life, to “see what he was”. According to George Lois, “…showed the opposite symbolism-of Kennedy himself, crying for his lost destiny.”
Key features: photograph of Kennedy, hand with handkerchief, spilled tears on the photograph
March 1965- The masculinisation of the American woman
In the 1960s of the US, woman liberation, sexual equality started to rise. Inspired by the feminist movement, this covers is created.
George Lois wonders, “Like any Greek man, I wondered where it would take us. Was there a point where sexual equality would end and confusion begin?”
Key features: Italian actress Virna Lisi(represents American woman) with an shaver
April 1968- The Passion of Muhammad Ali
Unfair decision for Muhammad Ali, a boxer in the white America
“After converting to Islam, Muhammad Ali refused to be drafted into military service. Subsequently a federal jury had sentenced him to jail for draft evasion. He was stripped of his heavyweight title and prohibited to fight by the boxing commissions.”
“At the time, Ali was hated by the establishment and was thoroughly controversial within the mainstream,” Brooks noted.
Key features: arrow-pierced Saint Sebastian, Muhammad Ali
Overall, I think George Lois has created a revolutionary trends for graphic design, especially in the zone of publication and advertising. His cover designs are impactful, eye-catching and with some sense of dark humour. I really appreciated the works.
Reflection on Graphic design lessons
Throughout the 4 weeks, I learnt a lot more about the graphic design history. It helps me to understand how to become a better designer. I think MCQ and short reflections are a good way to help me to drive into it. I am not only receiving information, but also outputting & processing it. In terms of the slides, I think it will be good if there’s a summary of each scope so it’s more clearer. (I am a visual person)
Thank you for teaching us these 4 weeks. 🙂
References:
buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/12-iconic-george-lois-esquire-covers
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/nov/16/nationalmagazinecompany.pressandpublishing
https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=568jx6Vwr10C&pg=PT15&lpg=PT15&dq=kennedy+without+tears+cover+george&source=bl&ots=2SLxCD4zsW&sig=ACfU3U37XlBgiWYh-AEE9vmuRVT8tds7Ug&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwim55jB56PlAhUNWCsKHQcKB784ChDoATAAegQICRAB#v=onepage&q=kennedy%20without%20tears%20cover%20george&f=false
Muhammad Ali’s 1968 ‘Esquire’ cover is one of the greatest of all time
Thank you for your valuable feedback! Really appreciate it!