IDEA Magazine No. 076

One of the world's most popular international graphic design magazines, IDEA was first published in Tokyo, Japan in 1953. Among the hundreds of issues archived on their website, the 76th publication of  IDEA stands out as a collaboration between two design powerhouses, Bob Peak and Hiroshi Ohchi. 

This publication discusses Geigy; a Swiss chemical company that was making waves in the design community in the 50's and 60's. The company had created a modern visual identity that left a lasting impact on designers and consumers alike. So much so that in 2009 the Zurich Museum of Design held an exhibition titled Swiss Graphic Design and Advertising by Geigy, showcasing a variety of the company's graphic design work. 

The cover of this issue was designed by well-known American Illustrator Bob Peak. In addition to this design, Peak created iconic posters for films such as West Side Story, Funny Girl, Superman, and My Fair Lady. Over the course of his prolific design career, Peak played a leading role in the development of the “modern film poster”.

Idea magazine's first art director (and art director at the time of this issue) was Hiroshi Ohchi; a Japanese graphic designer. Specializing in poster, advertising, and commercial design; Hiroshi Ohchi produced a variety of work throughout the 50's, 60's, and 70's.

This piece is an example of the increasing globalization of the 20th century design world and how designers were influenced by the new accessibility to different techniques, styles, and cultures from around the world.