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 Constructivism: Collide photography and type along a diagonal spine
- Type
- Set in Constructivism's manner (Heavy condensed type in capitals), and let WPA Poster's lettering (Heavy geometric sans in short imperatives) appear only where you want the eye to catch.
- Material
- Ground in Constructivism's material (Coarse halftones, cut-out photos, three colors only); bring in exactly one thing from WPA Poster (Three to five flat colors, the paper's own tone, simple shading).
- Colour
- Build on #e8ddc7, #d8251d, #11100e and admit one accent from #e2cf9e, #c65a34, #254d52.
Where they fight
These two are already listed as related, so the join should come easily.
Caution
- Constructivism Carries strong propaganda associations. Check the ethics of context and message.
- WPA Poster Don't borrow only the nostalgia. Be clear about who is being asked to do what, publicly.
Image prompt
An original image that takes its structure from Constructivism (Style, 1910s–1930s) and its accent from WPA Poster (Style, 1935–1943). Structural cues: Red, black and white; Diagonal axis; Photomontage; Imperative lettering. Accent cues, used sparingly: Simplified landscapes; Bold sans-serifs; Screenprint color; A clear call to action. Composition: Collide photography and type along a diagonal spine. Type and lettering: Heavy condensed type in capitals. Let one material quality come from the second style: Three to five flat colors, the paper's own tone, simple shading. Mood: Rebellion, Exhilaration, Trust, Intimacy. Color: build on #e8ddc7, #d8251d, #11100e with a single accent drawn from #e2cf9e, #c65a34, #254d52. 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
- Constructivism 1910s–1930s / Style / Avant-garde
Turns a message into motion with diagonals and hard contrast.
- WPA Poster 1935–1943 / Style / Public Design
Carries a public purpose broadly and forcefully through simple imagery and few printed colors.
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