When the boss lets me loose on this blog I get all sorts of ideas because there’s so many subjects we could look at. That’s how broad and fascinating graphic design is, and how it touches so many lives. But we need to narrow things down a bit, so I eventually decided to shine some light on a book that I’ve my eye on for a while called Trade Marks from the 40’s and 50’s.

As a graphic designer, I’ve always been fascinated by the evolution of design, especially when it comes to logos and trademarks. Trade Marks of the 40’s and 50’s by Eric Baker and Tyler Blik caught my attention because it showcases the unique and bold style of the branding that came from this era.

It marks a time when graphic design was evolving rapidly, and brands were beginning to establish their visual identities in ways that are still around today. The clean lines, bold typography, and iconic logos from this period laid the foundation for modern design, offering timeless examples of simplicity in branding.

The 1940s and 1950s brought huge change for the design world, especially with the rise of consumer culture and the mass media. As a designer, understanding the societal changes, technological advances, and creative techniques used at the time will hopefully expand my understanding and appreciation of the design choices that shaped brands during this golden age.

There are over 450 striking trademarks and logos contained in this great book. Some familiar, all definately innovative, these designs reflect the tastes and obsessions of growing sophistication in the science of marketing. New industries are present: television, jet aircraft, and nuclear technology—you’ll find them all here. Like the previous volume, ‘Trademarks of the ’20s and 30s’, this book will appeal to a wide range of readers, from nostalgia buffs and collectors of Americana, to a growing audience of commercial artists and graphic designers who will find new ideas in these timeless designs.

It’s a really enjoyable read. You can find it on Amazon and independent book retailers. Here’s a link to the Amazon listing (we don’t earn any referrals).

Ben

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