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That classic ’80s graphic style started in Milan, Italy with The Memphis Group. Their work impacted designs all over the world, and original designs are highly collectible today! These seamless patterns were created in the spirit of the Memphis style. Although classic Memphis Design tends to involve flat colors and simple black-and-white graphic patterns, many contemporary designers have been shaking up the style with more varied textures. Although it began with furniture, the style proved popular enough to extend to general art, graphic design and fashion. The intentional “bad taste” fit in neatly with the decade that saw the rise of glam metal, shoulder pads and parachute pants, Mohawks and big hair perms.

’80s Style Seamless Patterns
The 80s can be described with one word – “futuristic”, and it reflected every aspect of design – graphic design, interior design, product design, etc. Similarly to the 20s Art Deco, the 80s graphic design used sharp and pointy angles in typography. This resulted in a combination of thick/thin strokes typefaces with a stencil look like the Miami Vice show logo. As we look back on the legacy of 80s design and its technological advancements, we can appreciate how these developments have shaped the way we create and experience design in the modern world. The influence of technology on 80s design serves as a testament to the power of innovation and its ability to reshape creative industries. The 80s witnessed a gradual shift from traditional design techniques to digital processes.
s Graphic Design Examples: The Golden Era of Design
Along with Apple's famous PC, the LaserWriter brought the personal computer to the world of graphic design and publishing. As Apple developed the LaserWriter for the Macintosh and Aldus PageMaker software in 1985, the laser printer played a critical role in popularizing desktop publishing. It allowed users to create documents that previously would have required professional typesetting. The model was available with a CGA (16 colors) or monochrome display adapters (MDA).
Advertising and Commercial Design
Unicorns, clowns, wizards, ballet slippers, checkerboard floors, arched entryways, windows opening to reveal cloud-filled skies… These were all elements of ’80s fantasy-themed graphic design. Once again, the realm of stickers provided a nice product line to carry the style, but don’t think fantasy was featured exclusively on self-adhesive products. In addition to abstract motifs such as curlicues and flowing ribbon, there were natural elements that crept in–suns, moons, star-filled skies. Inspired by the Memphis Group itself, this design also took the market by storm during the 1980s. The catchy combination of colors and shapes made it different from the other designs available in the market.
From Kubrick to Vaporwave: a Brief History of the 80s Grid
The pop culture specifically embraced the new design trends in its videos, pictures, banners and other materials. Many famous 80s rock bands gave their identity a new touch using the classical graphic design, as it looked more cool and inspiring as compared to the earlier practices. Their branding materials like logos, banners, play cards, and more others precisely showcased this new approach to the people.
High Tide takes it back to the 80s in Thorlo brand upgrade - It's Nice That
High Tide takes it back to the 80s in Thorlo brand upgrade.
Posted: Thu, 16 Mar 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The design choices made for album covers were instrumental in creating an emotional connection between the music and the listener. Visual aesthetics helped establish an identity for musicians and bands, allowing their music to transcend auditory experiences and become a holistic art form. One of the defining characteristics of 80s typography was the rise of distinct typefaces. Designers sought to break away from the traditional and explore new possibilities. This shift allowed designers to convey emotions, attitudes, and brand identities with greater impact.
Tropical Style
Wireframe mountains in the background, a black background and light green linear graphics with tridimensional polygons along the way. Art Deco influences from the roaring 1920s made a comeback during the 80s, a trend that carried over into deco graphic design. Egyptian influences like palms, florals, and golden accents accompanied geometric symmetry and the sleek futurism of straight lines to add a touch of opulence to the traditional 80s color palette. Often set off in pastels, the look found its way into all sorts of 80s advertising, especially for luxury products. If you are looking for a design agency that can help you to create unique artwork using 80s graphic design, get in touch with us today. Our professionals have vast experience in working with different types of design trends.
What is retro style in graphic design?
Many designers also termed it a fresh change in the industry because of the unique texturing and color combination it used to draw illustrations. That is one of the major reasons why it got huge applause and wide adoption in the industry within just a few years. The famous neon design is perhaps the most influential design of 80s you would come across. It is still widely used in different types of artwork depending on the given requirements.
High Tech, Low Life - Neon Noir
As technology advanced rapidly in the 80s, graphic design embraced the emerging digital world. The digital style became a defining trend of the era, characterized by pixelated graphics, futuristic typography, and vibrant, often neon, color palettes. Designers explored the capabilities of early computer software, creating visually captivating compositions that reflected the cutting-edge nature of the digital revolution. The digital style revolutionized the design industry and laid the foundation for the digital aesthetics we see today.
Check out VintageStickerLove’s huge assortment of 1980s stickers, including finds by Sandylion and BJ. Though by no means an official term ’80s Cute is the name Mirror80 has given to the abundance of heart- and rainbow-infused merchandise that mesmerized children throughout the 1980s. Other ’80s Cute motifs included food items (often sweets), musical notes, flowers, balloons and cuddly animals (hello, teddy bears).
His work pushed the boundaries of traditional design and embraced the bold and experimental nature of the 80s. Another influential designer was April Greiman, who pioneered the use of digital technology in graphic design and created visually stunning and groundbreaking designs. The 80s also saw the rise of iconic design studios such as Memphis Group, known for their colorful and unconventional furniture and product designs. These designers and many others shaped the visual landscape of the 80s and continue to inspire designers today. From the resurgence of Art Deco to the emergence of digital aesthetics and the playfulness of cute design, each trend contributed to the vibrant and dynamic graphic design landscape of the era.
Apple released MacPaint for Macintosh computers in 1984, which allowed designers to use computer graphics effortlessly, such as with a mouse or graphics tablet. Postscript allowed designers to place types and pictures on the same page and send them to print rather than assemble designs at the drawing table. It was common for kids and teens to gather to play Arcade games together. Arcade video games accounted for the largest share of video game market revenue until the late nineties. This happened because home consoles such as Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox dramatically increased their gameplay options and graphics resolution in the early 2000s. With the start of the digital era, the graphic design changed drastically as can be seen in Metalica’s album cover design from the mid-80s, and with the second poster for 1985’s celebration.
This is what the 80s light grid incorporates, creating a futuristic space of possibility, and describing a future that never was. If you’re working on an ‘80s-inspired photography or design project, take from these trends to give your project a nostalgic, retro feel. However, Art Deco was revived in the ‘80s, alongside the Memphis design movement. Movies like Scarface (1984) were filmed against a backdrop of Art Deco architecture and Memphis-kitsch interiors. The logo for the American crime series Miami Vice also showcased classic Art Deco elements, like an outer glow, a combination of thick/thin strokes, and a stenciled typeface.
As you look around the yawning faces of the guests, you realize it’s going to take drastic measures to salvage any excitement out of this long night. So you sneak a desperate gulp of your drink, slip on your tinted sunglasses and leap atop of the sofa. With that in mind, we’re going to give you tips on how to leverage this classic style to your benefit by walking you through the history of Memphis Design and its modern incarnations. What is even more interesting is the development of cyberpunk, a development in 80s culture that develops In films like Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. On top of that, in 2001 the spaceship itself is a glorification of the light grid, the futuristic look of the whole film is built around it. Here it is in full display in Bowman’s room and in the evocative ship corridor.
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