Why Is the Johnson Publishing Company So Important to the History of Graphic Design?

The Johnson Publishing Company has been a major force in the history of graphic design since its founding in 1942. Founded by John H. Johnson, the company started out as a magazine publishing business and quickly rose to become one of the most influential African-American owned companies in the United States. It was responsible for producing some of the most iconic publications such as Ebony and Jet magazines, which were two of the first magazines to feature black celebrities, models and athletes on their covers.

The company also made a name for itself through its innovative use of graphic design. Its publications featured bold and vibrant visuals that were unlike anything else seen in mainstream media at the time.

The visual language developed by Johnson Publishing Company was so powerful that it influenced other publications and even changed the way people perceived African-Americans.

In addition to pushing boundaries with its visuals, Johnson Publishing Company also pushed boundaries with their content. The magazines they published focused on topics such as civil rights, education, health care and economics that were often ignored by mainstream media outlets at the time. This was an important step forward for African-Americans who were striving for equal rights.

The legacy of Johnson Publishing Company lives on today through its influence in modern graphic design trends and practices. Its bold use of visuals still serves as inspiration for many designers and continues to shape how people perceive African-Americans today.

Conclusion:

The Johnson Publishing Company is an important part of graphics design history due to its innovative use of visuals and content that pushed boundaries at a time when African Americans were striving for equal rights. Its bold visual language has been influential in modern graphic design trends, while its dedication to covering topics related to civil rights, education, health care and economics have helped shape how people perceive African Americans today.