COP2 - Visual exploration - typography research

In order to best understand the format of the final outcome exploring typography seemed like the most appropriate step since subcultures like punk often focused heavily on type (made evident with exhibition visit and secondary research) 

Some of the most notable bands of the seventies used a range of different typography. 

The Clash (London Calling) 

The main focus of the album is an image of bassist Paul Simonon smashing his bass, which establishes an immediate aggressive tone, The typography pays tribute to Elvis Presleys  self titles album, although informed by other work it seems out of place, it's quite a simple choice in form and colours, but the sort of sporadic nature in which the type is laid out as creates a sense of playfulness to the work alongside the aggression of the image, its effective in how it's presented as its eyecatching. 

The Sex Pistols (God Save the Queen)

One of the most notable pieces that arose from the movement was the work of Jamie Reid. Tha album combines a conservative photo of the queen alongside chaotic and 'aggressive' typography which greatly contrasts each other, which as a result creates a bold and notable effect. It's useful to take note of this work as it provides insight into the ideas and tone of the album which does this quite effectively. 

                  

The Ramones (Album)

This cover for the Ramones is overall quite simple in concept. The cover features the entire band facing the audience, all wearing leather jackets, ripped jeans etc, most of their other album covers would feature them in this manner as well. Although simple in concept the effect speaks volumes in that it sets the tone of the album, there's no gimmick to the music, there's an intense message of just focusing on the music and the members. The is bold and the use of white against the dark image is effective in that it clearly states what the album is, its straightforward no nonsense which could be seen as aggressive. 

All these works differ in how they are presented, there's a diversity that's apparent within these differences, showing that there's no one way in which punk can be expressed which is why the movement, the music and fashion have all made influences, as well as design typography is vitally important within these images, we're able to establish the band's sound just with the image and type, being so well known allows us to know this but is further established with presentation, which is noteworthy in exploring typography.