Josef muller-brockmann quote

Josef Müller-Brockmann was, and still is, one of graphic design's most influential figures. He is considered the father of functional and objective design. Having stood by the use of "organisational systems" and "laws" to create his most famous work, he has gave generations of graphic designers an underlying structure for visual communication in their own designs.

Early life and initial recognition

Born in 1914, Müller-Brockmann grew up in Rapperswil, Switzerland. He studied at the University of Zurich in several areas, including architecture, design, and history of art. In his first step into a professional career he had an apprenticeship to Walter Diggleman, who was a designer and advertising consultant. He later opened his own Zurich studio, in 1936 which specialized in photography, exhibition design, and graphics.

Poster work

Müller-Brockmann favored a no-nonsense approach to his work, where he would give shape to ideas before trying to be "artistic". During the 1950's Müller-Brockmann picked up recognition for his posters, for the concert series Musica Viva, at


Joseph Müller-Brockmann




As with most graphic designers that can be classified as part of the Swiss International Style, Joseph Müller-Brockmann was influenced by the ideas of several different design and art movements including Constructivism, De Stijl, Suprematism and the Bauhaus. He is perhaps the most well-known Swiss designer and his name is probably the most easily recognized when talking about the period. He was born and raised in Switzerland and by the age of 43 he became a teacher at the Zurich school of arts and crafts.


The above poster for the Zurich Town Hall is perhaps Müller-Brockmann's most recognized, and most ripped off, piece of work.




Perhaps his most decisive work was done for the Zurich Town Hall as poster advertisements for its theater productions. He published several books, including The Graphic Artist and His Problems and Grid Systems in Graphic Design. These books provide an in-depth analysis of his work practices and philosophies, and provide an excellent foundation for young graphic designers wishing to learn more about the profession

Josef Müller-Brockmann

Swiss graphic designer

Josef Müller-Brockmann (9 May 1914 – 30 August 1996) was a Swiss graphic designer, author, and educator, he was a Principal at Muller-Brockmann & Co. design firm. He was a pioneer of the International Typographic Style.[1] One of the main masters of Swiss design.[2][3] Müller-Brockmann is recognized for his simple designs and his clean use of typography, shapes and colors which inspire many graphic designers in the 21st century.[4]

Early life and education

Josef Müller was born May 9, 1914, in Rapperswil, Switzerland.[4][5] He studied architecture, design and art history at both the University of Zurich at Gewerbeschule,[4] and Zurich University of the Arts (also known as Kunstgewerbeschule Zürich), where he studied with Ernst Keller and Alfred Willimann.[5]

He apprenticed in design and advertising with Walter Diggelman.[6] In 1936, he opened his Zürich design studio specializing in graphic design, exhibition design, and pho

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