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 Modernism: Logical hierarchy and generous white space
Type
Set in Modernism's manner (A sans-serif with few quirks), and let Post-Modernism's lettering (Mix two or three faces from different eras) appear only where you want the eye to catch.
Material
Ground in Modernism's material (Black and white with a single accent color); bring in exactly one thing from Post-Modernism (Quoted images, patterns, vivid color; meaningful collisions).
Colour
Build on #f5f3ec, #315a8f, #1a1a18 and admit one accent from #f2dbb6, #ee5b78, #2f61a7.

Where they fight

  • Modernism and Post-Modernism share no intent, so the contrast has to become the subject rather than something to smooth over.

Caution

  • Modernism Blandness is not universality. Hold clear intent in every ratio and interval.
  • Post-Modernism Random is not plural. Mix only what you can justify aloud.

Image prompt

An original image that takes its structure from Modernism (Style, 1920s–1970s) and its accent from Post-Modernism (Style, 1970s–1990s). Structural cues: Simplification; Clear hierarchy; Function first; Universal forms. Accent cues, used sparingly: Mixed styles; Irony; Ornament reclaimed; Unexpected color. Composition: Logical hierarchy and generous white space. Type and lettering: A sans-serif with few quirks. Let one material quality come from the second style: Quoted images, patterns, vivid color; meaningful collisions. Mood: Trust, Calm, Play, Rebellion. Color: build on #f5f3ec, #315a8f, #1a1a18 with a single accent drawn from #f2dbb6, #ee5b78, #2f61a7. 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

  • Modernism 1920s–1970s / Style / Functionalism

    Replaces ornament with reasoned form and aims at universality.

  • Post-Modernism 1970s–1990s / Style / Avant-garde

    Doubts the single right answer and mixes quotation, irony and ornament as play.

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