Jamie Reid and Punk Graphics

When working on my presentation I realised I was yet to finish research on a practitioner that had previously been mentioned in a tutorial. I decided to collate the research here so I could include him in my presentation. Jamie Reid's punk graphic design for The Sex Pistols is iconic. His work has a distinctive look with it's 'cut and stick' typography and experimental layouts. His influences being politics and music, Reid is widely known for his work for The Sex Pistols.

The DIY aesthetic is apparent throughout his work. He created using torn imagery, collage, ransom-note style lettering and cluttered page layouts. His work was filled with subversive messages that anti-monarchy and anti-war as well as an anarchist theme running through. In some works, he experimented with different print methods such as litho and screenprint.

His work became a mark of rebellion, anarchy and the fight against conservatism and conservative society. This meant that Reid and punk music worked together seamlessly. A match made in heaven, you could say.

(Left) SI Exhibition Flyer. (1989). (Middle) Fuck Forever (1986). (Right) No War No Glory (2005).

Note. From Kloss, A. (2016).

(Left) Damn Them All. (1993). (Right) God Save the Queen (1977).

Note. From Kloss, A. (2016).

(Left) Atari Teenage Riot. (1992). (Right) Liberties (1994).

Note. From Kloss, A. (2016).

His work is subversive in so many ways; from the messages, the design style and the methods of creation. I would say in his case his subversion has developed his creativity as he is utilising a method of creation that he has managed to manipulate solely to his advantage. The subversive messages have inspired his ideas but I am also sure that his design techniques would have developed even more.

Bibliography:

Kloss, A. (2016, June 10). Jamie Reid and the Punk Rebellion. Retroavangarda. https://retroavangarda.com/jamie-reid-and-the-punk-rebellion/

Jamie Reid Graphic Designer. Scottish Schools. Retrieved January 12, 2021 from http://www.scottishschools.info/Websites/SchSecWhitehill/UserFiles/file/Higher%20Art%20Homework/Graphic%20designer%20Jamie%20Reid%20facts.pdf