What does it take to create an iconic poster print design? Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable music posters of all time, from Led Zeppelin to Johnny Cash, these posters are truly printspiring!
Paul Simon
This Poster for Paul Simon was created in 2006 by Emek, a renowned artist. Emek has been designing posters since the early 90s and has become synonymous with creativity in the music industry. For this particular design, Emek created an earthy and deceptively simple picture that perfectly reflects the sensibilities and personality of Paul Simon himself.
If anyone represents earthy, serene, and organic sound, it is Simon.
Led Zeppelin
The year was 1969, and Rock ‘n Roll legends Led Zeppelin were headlining 4 epic nights at the Filmore and Winterland. The problem was that people had become a bit bored of the usual Led Zeppelin imagery. Artist Randy Tuten decided to do something about this, he chose to create something quirky and out of place for the bands poster.
The avocado, with two cartoon eyes slapped on it, has since become one of the most recognisable symbols in rock history.
Who would have thought that an idiosyncratic, bright, almost childish image, could grab that much attention? What makes this poster design so great is that it immediately draws the eye, plays with the imagination, and encourages curiosity. You see the image – you want to know more. The content is powerful. Simple as that.
James Brown
When you think of James Brown, you think of energy and magnetic stage presence. This 1962 poster announcing James Brown’s New York Apollo Theater show, embraced the energetic persona of the performer. The dramatic crop, the Godfather’s face mid-performance, energetic colours, and the dramatic warning “guaranteed to sell out,” definitely provides a strong call to action.
And all designers and marketing professionals know that call to action is key!
Tom Petty
This 2004 Tom Petty poster hit all the right notes. Artist Jefferson Wood created this “Wanted” poster, which we all know isn’t the most forward thinking or creative idea in the world. However, this is Tom Petty we are talking about, and his black eyes and detached stare make it difficult to look away from the image.
It is important to mention that this poster was designed by one of the most popular artists of all time. The artists name, combined with Petty’s image and the haunting design, has turned this into one of the most sought after posters of modern times.
Johnny Cash
This 1967 poster by Dennis Loren describes Johnny Cash as fabulous, we should just leave our poster description at that. The word “fabulous” and the bright pinks and reds, juxtaposed to the “Man in Black’s” expressionless face and tough guy exterior, makes this poster one for the history books. Taking advantage of contrasts in print design is always fun!
The Who
San Francisco played host to legendary band, The Who, in 1969 (this year was apparently a great year for poster design.) What made this poster so special was that it was designed by legendary artist, David Singer. Singer was renowned for his psychedelic typography that was almost impossible to read – and this poster introduced the artist in a new light. The shift from psychedelic, bright, overpowering imagery had begun.
Pearl Jam
Recently, Pearl Jam released a book comprising of thirteen years of tour posters. This collection is titled, “Pearl Jam vs. Ames Bros” and commemorates the long standing artistic collaboration between the band, and artists Brad Klausen and Ames. All the posters created were always comical and cartoony with a sinister edge.
Limited editions of these posters can sometimes fetch up to 10 – 20 times their original purchase price! This is what happens when poster print design meets art.
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd has always been able to capture pop culture perfectly through design, with their album covers and posters becoming influential parts of the world’s musical canon. In 1977, Randy Tuten created this design for the bands Oakland Coliseum gigs. This poster takes us into the bizarre world of Pink Floyd, raises curiosity, and makes you want to know more.
Exactly what is needed for a successful event poster design.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam
What better way to spend your New Years’ Eve in the 90s than attending the coolest grunge party ever? This 1991 poster by artist Harry Rossit, puts a ‘face’ on the grunge culture of the time. Tongue in cheek, quirky, and devilishly dark, the poster spoke to a generation of teenagers looking to express themselves through music, fashion, design, and style.
The clashing colours, over the top typography and intricate background makes this poster stand out as a true representation of the 90s music scene.
What better way to spend your New Years Eve in the 90s than attending the coolest grunge party ever? This 1991 poster by artist Harry Rossit puts a face on the grunge culture of the time. Tongue in cheek, quirky and devilishly dark, the poster spoke to a generation of teenagers looking to express themselves through music, fashion, design and style. The clashing colours, over the top typography and intricate background makes this poster stand out as a true representation of the 90s music scene.
The Beatles
What is a list of musical iconography without The Beatles? This 1966 Shea Stadium poster and highly sought after by collectors. There are only 6 left and one recently sold for $132, 737 online.
U2
U2’s 2001 poster is a throwback to the psychedelic posters of the 60s. Artist Bob Masse, who is the king of the psychedelic design, is the man behind this image. He took his work, and modernised it for the 21st Century. Bringing generations together in a single image.
Elvis Presley
The Hatch Show Print Shop founded by two brothers in Nashville in the 1870s, are the team who invented the block capital, letter pressed poster. And of course, they are the men behind this iconic print. This is one of the posters to feature in the 2001 book, “Hatch Show Print: the History of a Great American Poster Shop.”
Poster Design and Poster Printing
The role and aesthetic of the poster is always evolving, meeting the ever changing trends of society. The poster continues to flourish and plays a major role in advertising and art.
If you are thinking about creating the ultimate poster to promote your business, brand, or event, you have come to the right place. Your poster needs to reflect your message, tell your story, and catch the eye of your target market. It is important that you work alongside an experienced design and print company to help you put together a poster that gets clients and potential clients talking.
Contact the print, branding and design experts today – the Jetline Professionals are here to help!
