For me, the 60s and 70s were a golden age for film poster design. The posters not only sought to intrigue audiences but also reflected the brave films that connected with a new generation of open minded individuals.

Illustration took precedence over photography, allowing the design aesthetic of the era to really thrive. Combining photography and illustration also became a popular method as artists started exploring mediums to innovative effect.

Busy 1960s posters used unashamed sex appeal to lure in audiences, commissioning illustrators such as Alan Aldridge and Robert McGinnis. This was a perfect match in promoting the new age of racy cinema. Impact was key for 70s film posters with artists taking a more minimal, stylised approach. The latter is probably the more favoured of today and certainly the most replicated.

James Bond: You Only Live Twice
Saucy…yes, alluring…yes, sexist… well yes, but that aside, this is an example of incredible 60s illustration by Robert McGinnis. It encapsulates the essence of the Bond film and promises what the film will deliver—ultimate titillation. You can almost hear the splashes and giggles. The film caught on to the 60s revival of anglo-asian design so the sets are ultra chic. McGinnis’s artwork nods towards this with the stylised suggestion of the setting.

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