Shepard Fairey, the California based graphic designer and skater, shot to instant fame upon his creation for Barack Obama's election campaign when the designer created the famous 'Hope' posters for the President's election.
His designs are known all around the world as the helped massively in Obama's election.
The New Yorker art critic Peter Schjeldahl called the poster "the most efficacious American political illustration since 'Uncle Sam Wants You'".
Obama directly contacted Fairey in an attempt to prise his for his work: "I would like to thank you for using your talent in support of my campaign. The political messages involved in your work have encouraged Americans to believe they can change the status-quo. Your images have a profound effect on people, whether seen in a gallery or on a stop sign. I am privileged to be a part of your artwork and proud to have your support. I wish you continued success and creativity.– Barack Obama, February 22, 2008"
I feel Shepard Fairey's work is so effective due to the minimalism of his design and the use of few colours, which gives an emotive impact on the viewer. The colours were chosen to relate to America's patriotism, in the red white and blue style, and the font, Gotham, instantly blew up as everyone recognised it for this piece of work.
This style of illustration is what Fairey is renowned for, and the simplicity in his portraiture design, which signifies Barack Obama, as a powerful, trustworthy and wise man, is one of the factors which lead him to being America's modern day president.
Fairey's design has been replicated in many instances due to it's simplicity, but the true image will always be remembered due to it's impact on the American audience, and the emotive response this simple piece of minimal design design achieved.
Fairey's original illustration poster makes use of many effects which benefit illustrations, it has clearly been created digitally, using few lines and solid block shapes, I could carry this method forward when creating my poster, in an attempt to create a minimal and effective series of posters.
Fairey's original illustration poster makes use of many effects which benefit illustrations, it has clearly been created digitally, using few lines and solid block shapes, I could carry this method forward when creating my poster, in an attempt to create a minimal and effective series of posters.
