Consumer Culture (Page 2)

Consumer culture has significantly influenced the evolution of applied and decorative arts, shaping both the aesthetic and functional aspects of design objects. As society’s consumption patterns shifted, propelled by mass production and marketing from the Industrial Revolution onwards, the decorative arts transformed to reflect the tastes and values of a growing middle class. Designers and manufacturers began to cater to the new demands by integrating art into everyday life, leading to the creation of objects that not only serve practical purposes but also carry cultural significance. The prolific outpouring of styles such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Mid-Century Modern can be seen as responses to the changing tides of consumer preferences, where ornamentation and utility blend to enhance the quality of daily life. In this landscape, every crafted piece, from furniture to ceramics, embodies a dialogue between artistic expression and consumer trends, marking an era where design becomes both a mirror and a mould of societal shifts.

Airbrush

Explore the rich history and usage of the airbrush in industrial design, tracing its impact from pioneers like Raymond Loewy to contemporary practices. Learn how the airbrush, with its ability to deliver precisely controlled sprays of paint or ink, revolutionized automobile styling and product design, providing a tangible, realistic representation of ideas. Despite the advent of digital technology, discover how the airbrush continues to play a vital role in the field, offering a unique, tactile approach to design.Read More →

The poster has established itself as an integral part of modern marketing and has acquired the status of a typical Swiss quality product just like the one it was intended to sell. A good example is the poster designed in 1952 by Herbert Leupin (1916–1999) for the Pelikan fountain pen company. Showing an eponymous bird with a pen in its beak and a wing ink, it’s done with very little text. The message is simple: the bird is a brand name. Anyone looking to buy a fountain pen.Read More →