There are two posters that inspired the design of my own. The one I draw most heavily from is the AEG Lamp Poster by Peter Behrens. I emulated its use of the point technique, where through the use of numerous points that surround and extend from my light bulb, I create a feeling of light spreading over my poster from the light bulb as a source, despite the fact that the gaps between the points of light remain the same shade of black. I also clearly took inspiration from the focus on the light bulb of the poster, where the bulb itself servers as the point that the composition of the poster is focused around. The second poster I draw from is the cover of MADAMA BUTTERFLY, created by Takako Saegusa. This poster exhibits the use of light as a design technique, and so I did the same with my composition. Light is at the core of my poster, and as stated earlier, I mimic its spread over the poster through the use of points of dimming yellow. This has a psychological effect on viewers, causing them to believe there is a real shine from the light bulb. I also emulated the explosive look of the poster’s focus by giving a gradually dimming star-like pattern to the light spilling from the light bulb.
My definition of design focuses on a saying that is synonymous with “Taking form” or “Being let out,” which is having something be “Brought to light.” I therefore believe that my poster’s aesthetic of a light bulb and light spilling outward, as well as the generous use of light as a technique, fits in nicely with my definition of design. The light helps to bring out the otherwise invisible letters, as well as create a focus on the most important word in the statement, “Light.”
This composition exhibits my style as a designer. It shows how I like layers of intense detail and complexity behind a rather simple-looking surface. Viewers may be quick to notice the simple dots and pure black background, for example, but a closer look shows that a lot of shading went into each dot. I therefore believe this poster is a good combination of both advanced design techniques, and my own style.
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