Josef Muller Brockmann

The grid system is an aid, not a guarantee. It permits a number of possible uses and each designer can look for a solution appropriate to his personal style. But one must learn how to use the grid; it is an art that requires practice. ” Josef Müller-Brockmann

Josef Muller Brockmann was born in Rapperswil, Switzerland in 1914. Brockmann studied architecture, design, and history of art at the University of Zurich and at Kunstegewerbeschule. After apprenticing designer Walter Diggelman, he established his own Zurich studio in 1936. The studio specialized in graphics, exhibition design, and photography. Brockmann was the leading practitioner in the 1950s of the Swiss style. This style used a grid-based design without illustration and 'subjective feeling' to seek universal expression. From 1958-1965 Brockmann was the founder and co-founder of New Graphic Design, and he was a professor of graphic design from 1957-1963. In 1967 Josef worked as an European design consultant for IBM.

Brockmann is known for his simple designs and his clean use of typography, shapes, and colors. During the 20th century he created some of the most memorable posters, and his work continues to inspire many graphic designers in the 21st century.

Brokmann is the author 'The Graphic Artist and his Design problems,' History of Visual Communication,' and 'Grid systems in Graphic Design.' Muller is also associated with the modular grid system, which he, Karl Gerstner, and Emil Ruder devised in the 1950s and 60s. This grid system offers numerous solutions and flexibility in design. The modular grid essentially became the 'framework' which aided in editorial problem-solving.