Meet Jean Carlu, A Pioneer of Graphic Design and Branding

Jean Carlu was a French graphic designer who was born in 1900 in Bonnières-sur-Seine. He began his career as a professional poster designer in 1919 after winning a competition held by a dental aids producer called Glycodont in 1918.

h/t: vintag.es

Carlu was drawn to cubism and the works of Juan Gris and Albert Gleizes. He was among the first to understand that to establish a trademark in the minds of consumers, a process must be undertaken, in which schematic forms and expressive colors are applied. These characteristics are what give his posters and other works their distinct quality.

Carlu became famous for his work on two posters, Monsavon and the Théâtre Pigalle. He also created a groundbreaking label for the 1924 vintage of Château Mouton-Rothschild and designed posters for the Container Corporation of America, Pan American Airways, and Air France.

Carlu passed away in 1997 in Nogent-sur-Marne. Below are some vintage posters designed by Jean Carlu during the 1920s and 1930s, showcasing his unique style and contribution to the graphic design world.