Graphic Travel Posters

Lithographic Magic

As we have been exploring a variety of trends in poster design throughout design history I have realised how much I enjoy the graphic illustrations that come to life in the colour lithography posters.

While the organic curves and whimsical beauty of the Art Nouveau posters are one of my favourites, I also am enthralled with the mood communicated through vintage travel posters.

Excitement and Wonder

It’s hard for me to pin down one specific moment of discovery of this type of design. I simply remember seeing various instances of these works framed as art.

I did however find this Switzerland skiing poster that struck a cord in my memory. Although, I was unable to discover the artist that painted this dynamic “powder-slash” and the wild eyed enthusiasm of the man falling towards the frame.

Wanderlust

While I’m thankful to have grown up in this beautiful corner of the world, I often feel an urge to fly off somewhere and just never stop. This helps me to understand what artists and designers may have been trying to invoke in their audience. These prints were a way to communicate the impression of the place. The images were grand, and accentuated the landscape or the scene. Often framed in a way that gave a feeling of discovering something secret. As if you were walking in this new world and were emerging from the trees or peering our across the cityscape from a hidden balcony.

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Dynamic Action

Showcasing dynamic action can be hard to communicate effectively in a single still frame. So I find myself impressed by the painter and poster designer Robert Falcucci that was able to capture the Grand Prix race-cars with such ferocity. The landscape of Monaco in the background gives context and the streaking lines showcase the motion. Instantly I’m transported to the side of the road in the blazing sun of Monaco as I watch this machine roar past me.

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Wonders of Australia

I feel that James Northfield has definitely shaped my idea of what Australia is actually like. While modern imagery has me dreaming of surfing, the Outback and the wildlife that is shown in his posters has me itching to pack my bags.

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Vintage Meets Modern

As we move up through the years I wanted to add how much I enjoy that these lectures inform my knowledge of art and design. So I find more joy at the clever instances of design and illustration I see utilised today. Such as this approach to creating “Vintage travel posters” for locations in the Star Wars Franchise. It appears like a lithographic print, with flattened shapes, gradients and that similar view of the scene that feels like I have discovered a secret paradise.

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