Explore the history of pop art design, see examples, and learn how to easily make your own pop art wonders.
Pop art design popped into existence during the post-WWII consumerism boom in America and Britain. Artists behind the movement had a shared goal—take sledgehammers to the supposed long-standing pillars of fine art.
In other words—down with elitism (and . . . hello soup can collages?).
Pop art’s peak might’ve been in the ’60s, but it remains one of the most talked about and recognizable art movements in history. Which is why (spoiler alert), we’re going to dish out some more information about pop art design and its uber-familiar characteristics.
Don’t be shy about clicking on any of the pop art examples we share—they’re all Shutterstock images that you can use in your own designs.
Plus, we’ll show you how to easily turn your own images into Warhol-inspired works of art!
What Is Pop Art?
Download any of these pop art designs for your own projects. License these images via YOHMATOOTH, blackstroke, and m2art.
While pop art seemingly exploded in the States during the ‘60s, it began in the ‘50s with a group of rebellion-minded artists in London who called themselves the Independent Group.
Hell-bent on fighting the status quo and, as we mentioned earlier, taking metaphorical sledgehammers to what constituted “real” art, the group frequently found itself discussing advertisements, movies, comic strips, science fiction, etc.—all from American popular culture.
Still, despite British pop art (which, by the way, is a term said to have been coined during one of the Independent Group’s meetings) taking inspiration from the American pop culture zeitgeist, it did so from a distance. That’s why a lot of pop art examples from Britain tend to be more sentimental, or humorous.
In contrast, well-known American pop artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and James Rosenquist lived in the middle of America’s mass media overload, which explains a notable difference from British works—mainly, art that’s a bit bolder and louder.
Characteristics of Pop Art
If you’re thinking about making your own pop art design and looking for some inspiration, here are a few of pop art’s most common characteristics:
1. Vivid Color Schemes
Explore Warhol-inspired pop art images to use in your own projects. License these images via Yudi Sarif Mukti and Jaja Fekiacova.
Perhaps one of pop art’s most recognizable traits is its vibrant color schemes. Back in the ‘50s and ‘60s, America prospered from an optimistic post-war mentality. Vivid colors pervaded its products, helping them stand out on shelves and eye-catching ads.
The pop artists of yesteryear frequently relied on primary and neon colors, resulting in art that—despite getting its name from the word popular—truly POPS.
2. A Focus on Everyday Subjects and Objects
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Some of the most notable pop art works take banal, everyday objects and pump them full of color and intrigue. The reason? Subversion.
Artists like Andy Warhol wanted to comment on everyday life and give common subjects or objects a place on museum walls.
It worked out well.
3. Mixed Media Types
An example of a free-form photo montage. License this image via Diego Schtutman.
You’ll find a lot of pop art that revolves around themes of materialism and consumption. Makes sense, given the American consumerism boom.
Moreover, artists would incorporate mass media into their work. Take British artist Richard Hamilton’s 1956 collage, Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing?, for instance.
Not only does pop art often incorporate mixed media, it takes the shape of free-form photo montages (above) or color-centric collages.
4. Illustrative or Hand-Drawn
Bring retro comic book style into your designs with Lichtenstein-inspired illustrations. License these images via durantelallera, studiostoks, and durantelallera.
Since artists often pulled from various media influences, you’ll find a lot of pop art that features bold lines, hand-drawn images, and comic book-style design elements.
5. Incorporates Unique Typography
Discover even more pop art typefaces. License these images via Lilli Jemska Studio, PUN159, and Lilli Jemska Studio.
Given the comic book influence, you’re sure to find a lot of eye-catching typography when words are used in pop art designs. Not to mention, typography art has taken on a movement of its own, with modern artists creating stunning designs that take typography to new heights.
If you’re using typography in a pop art design, think about what you want to say and how you’re going to say it. In pop art’s case, the how is what will give it the authentic, eye-catching look.
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License this cover image via Yudi Sarif Mukti.
