Japanese Design by Ikko Tanaka

Ikko Tanaka (1930-2002) was a renown Japanese graphic designer known for combining Japanese traditionalism with modern Westernism in such a way that was contemporary and true to older Japanese design.  His best known photo is the Nihon Buyo poster for the UCLA Asian Performing Arts institute from 1981, as seen directly above.  What I like about a lot of his work is the color selection and minimal illustration style that seems to draw a stronger focus of the eyes through simple,clean imagery.

Images via MoMA

Bauhaus Design by Erik Nitsche

Figured it would be our turn to curate a post on Erik Nitsche, the Swiss designer that got away to the States and went on to produce some really great Bauhaus-inspired design.  He boasts an impressive 50 year career in which he moved to various cities including Hollywood and New York where he more notably designed some amazing work for General Dynamics while in Connecticut.  Nitsche was responsible as the art director in 1955 to brand their image to convey a more peaceful and less destructive image, in which he does an excellent job with his modernist and organic take on the brand.  Great use of minimal type, color selection, and bold visuals.

via Aqua-Velvet / Bibliodyssey / Iconographics