One of the pioneers of American graphic design in the in the 30’s, Lester Beall was a master of combining images of America and graphic text to convey a message of what issues the country was facing. Culturally and politically informative while interesting to look at, Beall’s work became a regular on magazine covers, journals, and papers. The new website devoted to his designs and ideas help paint the picture of how he helped shape American design today.
Drawing inspiration from the avant-garde designers in Europe, such as Moholy-Nagy and El Lissitzky, Beall would create his images using unorthodox materials such as photograms, lithographic prints, old woodcuts, and pieces of paintings. He was constantly experimenting with varying visual elements in the dark room to create his graphic pieces. It’s been said he never went anywhere without his camera.
The new website devoted to Beall and his work, is a glimpse into his creative mind. Focusing on his personal story and his years behind the desk, it also shows work from his personal collection chosen by his family. The site also boats his many achievements and personal thoughts on designing for the environment. He’s often credited with launching the Modernist movement of American design and propelling forth a new era of graphic arts. The site hopes to promote, educate, and inspire younger generations of designers through his life’s work. The site was created by Gregory Chinn, who married Beall’s youngest daughter.
Visit the website at http://www.lesterbeall.com/.
Source: Core 77