Pioneers of German graphic design

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The story of German graphic design from the late monarchy to the post-World War II Wirtschaftswunder is intricately detailed in this exploration by expert Jens Müller. He delves into the circumstances that spurred groundbreaking innovations during a time of political upheaval and rapid social change, highlighting the profession's development and its international impact. Müller reveals that principles of reduction and minimalism emerged long before the Bauhaus was founded in 1919. For instance, Peter Behrens created the first comprehensive corporate design for AEG in 1907, encompassing everything from logos to buildings. Other key figures include Lucian Bernhard, who revolutionized poster design, Wilhelm Deffke and Karl Schulpig, who invented the modern logo, and Herbert Bayer, who expanded design language at the Bauhaus. Jan Tschichold introduced a new typographic style, while John Heartfield utilized photomontage for visual communication. The book captures the enthusiasm of early 20th-century Germany, transitioning from emotional Expressionism to the pragmatic New Objectivity. It showcases how German modernist design gained international recognition and influenced movements in Western Europe and the U.S. Featuring iconic designs and a wealth of unpublished works, it tells the inspiring stories of fourteen designers who shaped modern graphic design and transformed our aesthetic perception.