Modernist and Post Modernist Graphic Design

Post Modern:

This poster is from 1980 which is shortly after the height of punk rock, the influence of which can be seen in this poster. There is a lot of character in the tone of voice used, which is an element of post modern graphic design, opposed to the form follows function of modernism where the aim of a poster is to deliver information and not really to engage or involve the reader. Taking influence from the past and using it in work can be seen here as well with the clothes of the female on the poster looking a lot more 1940's/50s than 1980's when the poster was designed. The cut and paste, DIY aesthetic, also relates to the punk movement, is evident which helps to define this as post modern. A lot of post modern graphic design is posters for gigs and concerts, I think that there's a lot more emphasis on having fun which is linked to the pessimistic way of thinking that 'everything has been done why bother worrying about trying to make new things'.

Modern:

This design is very modern, its very sparse and regiment. There isn't any audience engagement, its priority is simply to give information.  Simple colours and strictly sans serif type define this as Modernist. There is clear use of a strict grid system that aligns all type and shapes, something that is definitely not in place in the post modern poster above. There is a certain 'truth to materials' idea being used on this poster with the majority of it being the stock itself.