Monogram Research

Armin Hofmann is a Swiss designer, he is very well known for his graphic design work including book, logotypes, stage sets, symbols, typography, posters and sign systems; his work varied across a range of different aspect within design. He taught for many years at the Basel School of Design and he actually followed Emil Ruder as the head of the graphic department.

I chose to research some of Hofmann’s work for my monogram research because his work is widely recognised for its focus on the fundamental elements of graphic design and form which are- Point, line and plane. From researching his artwork which conveys simplicity, form and abstraction, I felt this would give me a good foundation for my own monogram design and encourage me to focus on the basics. Below I have included Hofmann’s works that I found particularly inspiring.

I have added the above Hofmann’s work because I like the simple technique used of removing certain portions of the type letters. He has used circles and rectangles only to create these forms which read as letters and words, Hofmann is using these shapes as building blocks to create the letters. I like the consistency here and that is a very importation aspect I need to remember while creating my monogram. Below are some images of Hofmann’s work which I liked from his book- Graphic Design Manual: Principles and Practise (1977).

What have I learned?

Through looking at this artist I have gained some inspiration for my own monogram designs. I felt it was beneficial to look at his graphic work as it is mostly black and white as I need to focus on black and white designs for my monogram, before thinking about colour. It is important that I get a good monogram design that works in black and white before colour is added as Daniel has stated a good monogram works without colour. I also felt it beneficial to focus on the simple basic principles of form and design- point, line and plane, before I begin my monogram designs, as simplicity is a theme I want for my own brand.