Using Reference

Research:
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/nikijacksonart/1950s-research/





Review:

The 1950's was very colourful. Bright cheerful colours were used, especially blues, reds and pinks. These colours were popular decor for the Amercian diners as well as the home. Music was a big part of the 50's with families listening to their favoruites on vinyl records at home and on juke boxes when out socialising with friends. Bold designs were also used and the typical kitchen of a 1950's home was quite colourful and light.  Black and white check floors were popular too.
Posters had bold, graphic text and images to advertise the latest foods, movies etc Classic cars were also colorful, pink, red, blue or green.
Hair and make up were a big thing, with winged eyeliner and backcombed hair to carry the latest style.
The 1950's were definitely all about colour and style, in every way.



I think a lot of the 50's colour and style still has a presence today. Bright coloured cars (Fiat 500) are now coming back into society, old graphic design is being reproduced on tins and decor for the home to re-live the ideal of that era. Brands like Orla Keily and Cath Kidston are making home decor items and clothing that reflect a 50's feel and that nostalgic feeling. Pop art was big in the 50's and I think it will always have it's place since it is bold and colourful and doesn't seem to age.

Ideas:

Illustration:

Here is my final illustration. I used waterbased markers and a fineliner to complete this illustration. I choose to go with a music theme, bold patterns and poofy dress. The chair is retro and the table with the record player. Overall it has the look I was going for but I would have liked to improve the quality of this illustration. Had I allowed more time I would have experimented with the figure more and just improved the overall look.

Inspiration:

                                                         

                               

I took a lot of inspiration from the above illustrations. I wanted something simple and quirky that would appeal to a teenager and that would reflect the colours of the era and the bold patterns. When researching 1950's illustrations I found a lot of black and white illustrations in 'The Dictionary of 20th Century British Book Illustrators' and so that is another reason I chose this style.