Compose two styles
Rather than blending two styles into a middle, this assigns them roles: one carries the structure, the other appears as an accent. Where the two fight, it says so before you start.
How to divide the work
- Composition
- Follow Afrofuturism: Lead with the symbol; layer strata of time
- Type
- Set in Afrofuturism's manner (Pair geometric letterforms with culturally grounded faces, carefully), and let Art Deco's lettering (Tall, narrow geometric display type) appear only where you want the eye to catch.
- Material
- Ground in Afrofuturism's material (Deep black, gold, vivid color; research where the materials come from); bring in exactly one thing from Art Deco (Black, gold, ivory; repeated hairlines).
- Colour
- Build on #17110e, #d29a2e, #5b42a2 and admit one accent from #17140f, #c8a65b, #f0e6cf.
Where they fight
- Roughly 1900 years apart. Keep one of them recognisably period rather than letting both drift into the middle.
Caution
- Afrofuturism Never borrow patterns as anonymous 'African style.' Learn the specific makers, regions and histories.
- Art Deco Too much ornament turns theme-park. Let white space carry the dignity.
Image prompt
An original image that takes its structure from Afrofuturism (Aesthetic, 20th century–) and its accent from Art Deco (Style, 1920s–1930s). Structural cues: Cosmic futures; Cultural pattern; Metal and earth; Myth reinterpreted. Accent cues, used sparingly: Symmetry; Radiating lines; Stepped motifs; Gold and black. Composition: Lead with the symbol; layer strata of time. Type and lettering: Pair geometric letterforms with culturally grounded faces, carefully. Let one material quality come from the second style: Black, gold, ivory; repeated hairlines. Mood: Futurism, Luxury, Rebellion, Exhilaration. Color: build on #17110e, #d29a2e, #5b42a2 with a single accent drawn from #17140f, #c8a65b, #f0e6cf. Constraints: do not imitate, reference or name any specific artist, studio, brand, character or copyrighted work. Produce an original composition in the general period languages described above.
Related entries
- Afrofuturism 20th century– / Aesthetic / Visions of the Future
Connects African diasporic history, culture and future, reclaiming stolen time and new possibility.
- Art Deco 1920s–1930s / Style / Historical Styles
Stages urban luxury with repeating geometry and a metallic sheen.
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