William Longhauser

    A well-known graphic designer from Philadelphia, William Longhuaser, is pinpointed for his important contributions to the design industry. In the 1980s and early 1990s, he became popular for his cutting-edge use of typography and visual communication. Longhauser's ability to combine modernist ideas with a distinctive, whimsical aesthetic has distinguished his design career. He frequently uses geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and dynamic layouts to produce designs that are both eye-catching and memorable. Posters, book covers, corporate logos, and partnerships with other artists are just a few of the media in which he has worked. 

The Language of Michael Graves

    “The Language of Michael Graves” is a 1983 poster designed by William Longhauser. This poster embodies the aspects of graphic design from the postmodern time period. This artwork celebrates the architectural contributions of Michael Graves, a crucial figure in the postmodern movement. The poster uses a fragmented and layered composition, vibrant colors, and geometric shapes to mirror Graves’ playful and diverse architectural style. Longhauser’s design incorporates postmodern elements such as irony and historical references, shifting away from the strict principles of modernism. This approach reflects the broader postmodern aesthetic, which embraces a variety and inclusive design philosophy.  In addition to this, William Longhauser states on his personal website, “each new color had to be mixed to “work” with the preceding color while maintaining the essence of postmodernism.” “The Language of Michael Graves” is not only a tribute to Graves’ time as an artist, but I believe it is also a significant representation of the dynamic and multifaceted nature of postmodernism in both graphic design, and architecture.

April is Coming

    “April is Coming” is an artwork created by William Longhauser in 1983. This piece is an eye-catching piece that I enjoy to look at in detail due to its relevance to the era of postmodern graphic design. Longhauser continues to use a playful and broad utilization of color, form, and typography. As an influential designer, he employed fragmented and layered compositions alongside geometric shapes and vibrant hues, capturing the essence of this time period’s aesthetic. In this poster, Longhauser skillfully integrates elements of parody and irony, which are considered hallmarks of postmodernism. He does an incredible job as he references various historical styles, and blends them in innovative ways. “April is Coming” not only highlights Longhauser’s unique creative vision, but also reflects the broader cultural movement of the postmodern era, which braced diversity and complexity in artistic expression.