A Legacy of American Classics

Poster Series

This poster series is inspired by my Grandad’s personal connection to classic American cars and his travels to the United States to experience them first-hand. It explores how automotive culture and graphic design evolved between the 1950s and 1970s, highlighting the distinct visual styles that defined each decade. The aim was to capture both the cultural significance and aesthetic qualities of these periods through a contemporary design response.

The work was developed through research into the visual languages of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, alongside an exploration of traditional screenprinting methods. By focusing on bold shapes and patterns rather than complex colour palettes, each design reflects the character of its decade while maintaining consistency across the series. This approach allows for a unified yet varied visual language across all three posters.

The outcome is a cohesive series of three posters, each representing a different decade. It celebrates the visual identity of classic American cars while referencing the graphic styles of their time, combining nostalgia with a refined and contemporary interpretation.