Classic and vintage posters prove that we still have a lot to learn from 1900s artists. From the displays like the
Swann Galleries Vintage Poster auction to the
Poster House, it’s clear that graphic designers will continue to imitate the lithographic printing process for years to come.
Designing Your Own Posters
Before 1870, you could only print out posters in black and white. Even after artists could print in color, you needed to be a skilled artist and editor to produce something incredible. Fortunately, modern computers have made it easy for just about anyone to design anything at any time.
Whether you gain inspiration from classic Art Nouveau or modern photo editing tricks, you can easily
design posters that grab everyone’s attention using apps like BeFunky. With its stunning Poster Maker, you can advertise a party, show, or class using unique drag-and-drop templates.
8 Vintage Posters That Withstood the Test of Time
Millions of posters are made every single year, but few are more famous than the following classic designs. Many of these incredible vintage posters were made before the 1950s.
1. Le Chat Noir: Théophile Steinlen
Le Chat Noir is one of the most well-known posters of all time. Depicting a mischievous black cat with a stained-glass halo, Le Chat Noir was actually a commission for a bar with the same name. Its popularity likely stems from its bold colors, sharp lines, and dangerous demeanor.
2. We Can Do It!: J. Howard Miller
“We Can Do It!” or Rosie the Riveter, is an iconic poster depicting a strong female production worker. Used to boost female worker morale in World War II, this poster has since been used as a feminist symbol. The design has been
reworked many times to reflect modern movements.
3. Dubonnet: A.M. Cassandre
The invention of the automobile posed a problem for poster designers: how are they going to convey a message to speeding motorists? A.M. Cassandre’s Dubonnet poster of a man drinking was the first to solve the issue. It could be seen in quick succession and convey a full message.
4. Rouge Baiser Blindfold: René Gruau
René Gruau is famous for his fashion illustrations, which feature thick lines and bold designs. His Rouge Baiser Blindfold poster is among his most popular. Its simplicity and use of a single color, red, make it a go-to print for homeowners looking to add art to their quarters.
5. Monaco 75: Michael Turner
The 1975 Monaco Grand Prix poster by Michael Turner is recognizable if you’ve ever looked at an Atari 2600 cartridge. The eye-catching and vibrant colors are iconic of the pre-home internet era, making it a really nostalgic design for anyone growing up in the late 70s or early 80s.
6. Bitter Campari: Leonetto Cappiello
Leonetto Cappiello is known as the father of modern advertising, and this poster explains why. It immediately grabs your attention because it’s strange and colorful. The poster also gives you a lot of information about the taste and quality of the alcohol, even though the art is a century old.
7. Trans World Airlines New York: David Klein
American artist David Klein made several posters for Trans World Airlines in the 50s. This blocky and unique poster from 1957 is a part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York because it perfectly illustrates how bright the city is at night.
8. Harper’s: Christmas: Edward Penfield
Edward Penfield was truly beloved by Harper’s, an 1850’s magazine that’s still in circulation today. Of the 75 posters he made for Harper’s, the Harper’s: Christmas edition in 1894 is often cited as his best. This poster is a symbol of the middle class, which was slowly emerging.
