Willy Flechaus

Willy Fleckhaus was born in post-war Velbert, Germany in 1925. He is known for his innovative, creative, and influential designs. His most prolific work was for “Twen” a lifestyle magazine, where he worked as an art director. It’s said that he invented the position of the “art director”, before the career description even existed.  “Twen”, which is short for twenty was established in 1959, and ironically only lasted 20 years until 1970. This magazine was created for young German adults who have grown older since the end of World War 2. The covers for Twen were captivating, he mastered visual montage with his choices of framing, reducing, and enlarging. His design techniques were influential because readers and viewers alike were emotionally compelled. Below are some examples of his work that demonstrate strong elements of photography in design. Although “Twen” lived a short life it is no doubt Willy’s advertising art direction revolutionized the design in magazines. Everything was selectively planned, his work can be described as organized chaos.

“Twen” issue 9 1962

Willy Fleckhaus

Willy Fleckhaus