Illustration provided by Wikimedia
Historical Style
The style’s relevant aesthetic characteristics (formal elements) are rejecting mass produced things in favour of beauty and quality. Traditional craftsmanship, emphasizing the beauty of the materials used and the construction of the item, was the basis of the Arts and Crafts style. This took place during the late Victorian era in the 19th century where England was facing serious industrialization and urbanization. Thus, the Arts and Crafts style was a response to the lacked artistic merit in industrialized products and environments – it lacked beauty and man’s pleasure in labour. Nature was also very important, as often seen in the fabrics and wallpapers of William Morris, one of the most influential members of the Arts and Crafts movement. There was also a blend of historicizing elements of English medieval art and imagery with Islamic pattern and motifs. Afterall, William Morris was famous for saying, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
The Reason for Choosing the Style
I chose this style because in previous college courses (History, Philosophy and English Literature), I found myself taking a strong interest in the Romantic period in the 18th century. The Arts and Crafts style reminds me very much of the Romantic movement’s response to the Enlightenment, which they considered too rational and sterile, lacking imagination and beauty, and it was also a response to the new Industrialized world. I find that both movements were concerned with the plight of millions of industrial workers in factories. However, many would argue that this was a failure of both Morris and Romantic thinkers—it meant they were looking back instead of forward. It meant that they were making hand-crafted objects regular people could not afford, and mainly catering to the elite. This is mainly why I chose this style—to explore this tension in the artistic world in both the sociological and philosophical context. Philosophically, the idea of preserving the craftsmanship in art and design is respectable, but at the same time, it alienates and marginalizes people who cannot afford this “high art.”
The Research Involved
The historical research involved was critical in determining how my poster was going to come together. First, in medieval times there were many guilds—artists and craftsmen joining together to establish standards for their works. The Arts and Crafts movement brought this back, forming various guilds of craftspeople, which is why I incorporated an illustration of a medieval guild in my open house poster. This gives the poster the feeling of a prestigious academic experience where prospective students can be part of a “secret society”—and focus on their craft. Next, for the background, I used Morris’ famous decorative patterns and imagery of nature. Last, for the borders I used a wood frame to highlight the handcrafted wooden furniture they were creating at the time. For the main headlines, I used “Dyers Arts and Crafts,” a typeface inspired by the movement. The entire poster itself is supposed look like a handcrafted piece.
My Usual Design Style
I would say this is not usually my design style because it is extremely decorative and I tend to lean more towards minimalist, simple and clean designs. Therefore, I am happy that I decided to challenge myself and created a poster that was different from what I am usually accustomed to.
