International Typographic Style, also known as Swiss Style, is a graphic design style that began in Switzerland in the 1950’s. It is comprised of clean, geometric design elements and uses sans serif typefaces.
The movement places a large emphasis on clarity and legibility, often being used in the corporate world and advertising. It’s influence today reaches for further than this as Swiss Style is now seen within areas such as web design, product design and user interface design.
Known as the Father of Swiss Style, Brockmann born in 1914 in Switzerland, studied graphic design and architecture at the Zurich School of Arts and Crafts, later opening his own illustration studio. Influenced by Constructivism and The Bauhaus, Brockmann places a heavy emphasis on Typography and geometry. Brockmann bases his designs on very rigid grids which he is known for.
What I like most about Brockmann is his use of photographs. Brockmann implements photo like no other, he seems to use photos that are objective to avoid emotions to place priority on the content. You can see some of his work below.
Crouwel, Born in 1928 in the Netherlands, was designer, like Brockmann, reverred for his use of grid systems and emphasis on typography. Crouwel is moat known for his work for the Stedelijk Museum. His work spans from expositions all the way to album covers.
Crouwel was inspired by Brockmann and later became friends with him when he joined the AGI (Alliance Graphique Internationale) in 1957.
You can see some of Wim’s work below.
I find Wim’s use of Typography to be mesmerising . It is so unique and identifiable to him to the point where you will not forget his name once learning about it.
Ruder, born in Switzerland in 1914 was a typographer and graphic designer. He helped form the Basel School of Design and establish Swiss Style as a movement. Ruder placed a heavy emphasis on the use of sans-serif typefaces. Like other Swiss Style designers he favoured asymmetrical compositions placing importance on the good use of negative space.
You can see some of Ruders work below.
