What Is International Style in Graphic Design?

International Style in Graphic Design is a movement that originated in the 1950s and 1960s. It is based on the principle of “form follows function” and focuses on creating clear, concise designs that are uncluttered and minimalistic. The goal of International Style is to create a universal visual language that is easily understood across different cultures.

International Style in Graphic Design was pioneered by Swiss designers like Josef Muller-Brockmann and Armin Hofmann, who sought to create a unified design language that was free from the traditional conventions of national design styles. They believed that graphic design should be stripped down to its most basic elements, like typefaces, shapes, and colors, with an emphasis on typography as the main form of communication.

The International Style uses asymmetrical compositions, geometric shapes, primary colors, sans-serif fonts (such as Helvetica), grids, and photography to create its minimalist aesthetic. This style also embraces modernist principles like simplicity and clarity, while rejecting ornamentation and decoration. The goal is to communicate a message in the most direct way possible.

International Style designers often use grids as a structure for their layouts to create visual harmony within their designs. Grids can be used to organize space and content in an efficient way that allows for easy readability and legibility. This type of structure also allows for flexibility in terms of size and placement of elements within a design.

The International Style has been incredibly influential in graphic design history, influencing other movements such as Swiss Design or the Bauhaus School. Its influence can be seen today in many aspects of graphic design from advertising campaigns to websites to app interfaces.

Overall, International Style has been instrumental in developing a universal visual language that transcends geographic boundaries while still being able to effectively communicate ideas across cultures. By embracing modernist principles such as simplicity and clarity while rejecting ornamentation and decoration, International Style strives to create clear graphics that are easily understandable but still visually appealing.

Conclusion: What Is International Style in Graphic Design? is an influential movement originating from Switzerland during the 1950s-1960s which focuses on creating minimalistic designs based on typography with an emphasis on form following function by using asymmetrical compositions, grids, geometric shapes and primary colors for effective communication across cultures without ornamentation or decoration.