The formation and development of Kim Kyo-man's graphic style

Abstract

Background Kim Kyo-man (1928-1998) is a first generation graphic designer in South Korea. Two exhibitions have been held in 2019 to rekindle his design work. While participating in the preparation of the exhibitions, the researcher could see when Kim's unique character design first appeared. This study looked at the formation and development of Kim Kyo-man's character-centered graphic style. It also examined the historical background and meaning of his style and the impact of Western design. Methods This research was carried out by reviewing literature and conducting interviews. First of all, preceding papers on Kim's life and work were reviewed. And interview materials with Chung Si-wha and Hwang Bu-yong were referred. A recent study on South Korean design history and Western designers who help understand Kim's work have also been considered. Results Kim Kyo-man's graphic style changes are largely divided into four periods. The first stage was from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s, when modern design forms and South Korean themes were explored. The second stage was from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s when Kim formed a unique graphic style. The third stage was from the mid-1980s to the late 1980s, when his graphic style became more diverse and enriched. The fourth stage was from the early 1990s to the late 1990s, when his graphic style shifted from analog to digital. It was in 1975 that Kim's unique character design, the most important element in his graphic style, first appeared. But the quest for this began in the mid-1960s and lasted until his late years. Conclusions Kim Kyo-man's graphic style emerged in the mid-20th century in South Korea as applied art developed into visual communication design. He created a unique character design that successfully combined modern design forms with South Korean themes and expanded them to his own graphic style.