Rachel Stern

Mr. Busch 1B
Graphics Communications 2
10 May 2019

Beware Wet Paint

Beware Wet Paint by Alan Fletcher displays the use of typography and hues in an
innovative and refreshing way. The design was used as an announcement for a design seminar
and is meant to be symbolic. There are elements of visual and verbal wit. It also contains
powerful use of color and a juxtaposition of cut out shapes and the use of penmanship. The use
of different colors for each letter provides a relationship of hues and choice in tint and shade as
the colors seem to not be in a particular order and have dark undertones. Some colors specifically
appear brighter than others which comes across as purposeful. For example, the yellow and red
stand out the most as they are more saturated than others and more tint is added. The typography
is also noticeable as each letter is written differently as if it were done by different people. The
font weight is stronger in one “A” than it is the other which contrasts with the colors used as
well. Additionally, the thickness in the dripping of the paint is significantly disproportionate.
The medium used to create this print was screenprint. This is what most of his work was
made up of as this is what he specialized in. This medium allows him to perfect his work before
it is even printed and to use the exact hues needed without a computer. As this was put onto a
book, it helped to have the print made and this is one of the best ways to print something onto a
book. The most distinctive features is the use of font and font spacing as well as the drips of
paint under the letters. This shows an asymmetrical design with unproportional lines and letters.
The scale mostly stays the same, but it is interesting how each letter is different. There is more
saturation within the yellow, red and purple colors and more shade used within the other colors.
The colors are used in a way that mixes warm colors with cool ones to create another
juxtaposition. They also have a high opacity flowing through all the colors. This is somewhat of
an abstract mark to convey his book.
The designer created this piece for the front of his graphic design book and all the visual
images it holds. It is a play on words to introduce the rest of his creations inside. The overall
meaning is that he wanted to display a collection of his work from his 35 years of working and
this was the best and most creative way to do so. The evidence is the words themself and the idea
that this is artwork that took thought and time which should be treated carefully.
I think this is a good piece because it is abstract and eye catching. The criteria for judging
this piece is the knowledge of typography, balance, and color. The things written about this
design as well as the piece itself and looking at it with fresh eyes, relate to my judgement.