Psychedelic design is a style of graphic design that emerged during the 1960s and 1970s, and was heavily influenced by the counterculture movement of the time. This design style emerged as a response to the political and social upheavals of the era, and its visual language was informed by the use of psychedelic drugs, such as LSD, which were believed to alter consciousness and perception.
One of the defining characteristics of psychedelic design is its use of bright, bold colors, often used in combination with one another to create a sense of vibrancy and energy. The color palettes used in psychedelic design are often inspired by natural phenomena, such as sunsets, rainbows, and flowers, and often feature colors that are exaggerated or highly saturated.
Another key element of psychedelic design is the use of complex patterns and shapes, often arranged in symmetrical or repeating patterns. These patterns may be inspired by organic forms, such as flowers or fractals, or geometric shapes, such as circles or spirals. The patterns used in psychedelic design often create a sense of movement or flow, which can be enhanced through the use of optical illusions, such as moiré patterns or lenticular printing.
Surrealism is another element commonly found in psychedelic design, with designers often incorporating surreal or fantastical imagery, such as melting faces or surreal landscapes, into their work. These images may be created through techniques such as photomontage or collage, and are intended to evoke a sense of otherworldliness or altered states of consciousness.
Overall, psychedelic design is a highly expressive and experimental style that emphasizes the use of color, pattern, and shape to create visually striking and often surreal designs. The style has had a lasting influence on graphic design and continues to be popular today in various forms.
Design In Psychedelic:
Here are some tips for designing in this style:
- Use a bright, bold color palette: One of the key elements of psychedelic art is the use of bright, bold colors. Experiment with combining different hues in unusual ways to create a sense of energy and vibrancy.
- Incorporate complex, abstract patterns: Psychedelic art often features complex, abstract patterns created using geometric shapes or organic forms. These patterns can be symmetrical or repeated to create a sense of movement or flow.
- Use surreal imagery: Incorporate surreal or fantastical imagery into your designs to create a sense of otherworldliness. You can use techniques like photomontage, collage, or illustration to create these images.
- Play with typography: Experiment with typography to create designs that are playful and whimsical. You can distort letter shapes or elongate them to create a sense of movement or fluidity.
- Use optical illusions: Psychedelic art often incorporates optical illusions to create a sense of depth or movement in the design. Experiment with techniques like moiré patterns or lenticular printing to create these effects.
When designing in the psychedelic art style, it’s important to be open to experimentation and to embrace the unconventional. This style is all about pushing boundaries and creating designs that challenge the viewer’s perceptions. By incorporating bold colors, abstract patterns, surreal imagery, and optical illusions into your designs, you can create visually striking pieces that capture the essence of this unique style.