Armin Hofmann

(1920–2020)

Armin Hofmann, born in 1920 in Winterthur, Switzerland, is a distinguished Swiss graphic designer and educator with a career spanning over seven decades. As a revered mentor, he played a pivotal role in shaping the minds of future designers during his tenure at the Basel School of Design.

Hofmann's profound influence is not confined to his remarkable body of work; it extends to his indomitable dedication to design education, which has left an enduring mark on the design world.

Most Iconic

Works

01.

Giselle Poster

(1928)

Armin Hofmann's poster for the ballet "Giselle" is a hallmark of Swiss graphic design. This iconic piece perfectly embodies the Swiss Design principles—clarity, precision, and minimalism. Its striking use of typography and abstraction not only promoted the ballet but also elevated poster design to an art form.

02.

Graphic Design Manual

(1981)

Hofmann's book, "Graphic Design Manual," is a seminal work in design education. It provides invaluable insights into design principles, emphasizing the importance of form, counterform, and the relationship between graphic elements. This book has been a fundamental resource for generations of designers.

03.

Swiss Tourism Posters

(1950s–1960s)

Armin Hofmann's posters promoting Swiss tourism are exemplary of Swiss graphic design's principles. These posters featured breathtaking landscapes, meticulously chosen typography, and a balanced use of colors. They not only attracted tourists but also established Hofmann's reputation as a master of the medium.

The legacy

Armin Hofmann's legacy is multi-faceted. He is revered as an ambassador of Swiss graphic design principles, which prioritize clarity, functionality, and the careful use of typography.

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His Swiss tourism posters are cherished not only for their visual appeal but also for their role in promoting Swiss culture. "Graphic Design Manual" remains an essential guide for designers worldwide, while his impact on design education continues to influence future generations of designers.

“The boundaries between work as practice and work merely aimed at a particular result must be removed. Every exercise or study which is properly done must show a result, and every valid result must have aspects which provide scope for exercise and experiment.”

Armin Hofmann