This time we will be trying to see some sources of influence and inspiration for minimalist graphics. As we all know, minimalism was originally an art trend from which general design, and graphic design as well, derived. It is more than natural, therefore, for graphic designers to look at some excellent examples o abstract art for inspiration. We mean to prove in this article that art and graphics are not two completely isolated fields and that many inter-relations are possible.
A second point that we want to make is that simply placing a simple-lined image or a shape on a colored background and adding a title in a corner does not make a good minimalist poster. There are some very subtle compositional rules that one should keep in mind when designing such a poster and finding the perfect rapport between the elements is even more difficult because they are just a few. I have compared some film posters to some abstract paintings they might have been influenced by (more or less directly) in order to make a point about the importance of finding compositional balance between graphic elements.
I hope that putting them side by side will help you draw some conclusions about the good and the less inspired graphical choices. Every shape and color influences the way we perceive the one next to it and being able to see these subtleties is as much a question of practical experience as it is of visual culture. One finds huge inspiration not only in good graphics but also in pure art and I encourage not to miss at the genius works of the abstract painters sampled here, either- they will surely change the way you look at graphics and will give you an eye for the details that make a great design!
The painters chosen here actually belong to different artistic trends, from Suprematism to Abstract Expressionism or even Pop Art. I have mentioned them because there was a clear relation and similitude with the minimalist posters sampled, as you will see for yourself. Of course, one can discover many other influences in abstract art- if you can come up with some examples of your own, please mention them in the comments section below. I’d be glad to hear some new ideas!
Possible influence from Mark Rothko
Scarface, The Birds and The Craw Movie Posters
Inspired by Lucio Fontana
Inspired by Lucio Fontana
Possible influence from Andy Warhol
Robocop and 2001, A Space Odyssey Movie Posters
Inspired by Barnett Newman
North by Northwest Movie Poster
Possible influence from Barnett Newman
Possible influence from Rene Magritte
American History and The Life of Brian Movie Posters
Men in Black and The Great Dictator Movie Posters
Inspired by Kazimir Malevich
Superheroes Movie Posters – Spiderman, Superman, Hellboy and Catwoman
Possible influence from Roy Lichtenstein
The Blair Witch Project Movie Poster
Inspired by Antoni Tapies