Girly Graphics: An Interpretation of Lovely, Sweet, and Glamorous Graphic Designs

by P.I.E. Books

Society is susceptible to messages sent by clearly marketed products through media, and "girly" has come to the surface as an iconic image along with women’s growing consumer power. The word "girly" is about reconstructing a positive image for girls. "Girly" images are powerful and convey a strong message (or signal) to the audience in today’s world. Examples are classified by four distinctive "girly" flavors: "Glamorous & Gorgeous," "Sweet & Fresh," "Cute & Lovely," and "Romantic & Fairytale." Each category includes a series of color charts—dark color combinations of purple, pink, green, and black for "Glamorous & Gorgeous;" bright colors for "Cute and Lovely;" pale colors for "Romantic and Fairy-Tale;" and light pastel colors of blue, yellow, and green for "Sweet & Fresh." Some "girly" logos are included in the end, which also give designers ideas for new logo creations. About 300 works, including posters, catalogs, shop cards, business cards, books, CD jackets, greeting cards, letterheads, product packages, and more, including such brands as Levi Strauss, Anna Sui, and Jill Stuart.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2008

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just don't know what to make of this one. On the one hand, it sends my feminist hackles into a tizzy. From the American Apparel-esque model on the cover to the excessive use of the term "girly," the book frames the feminine in all its most troubling cliches. On the other hand, I completely get it and I appreciate it. The cliches makes for some of the most arresting graphic design I've seen in a while.

What confounded me even more was the introduction. The Editor (who remains nameless--was she female? does that matter?) discusses the book's origin as a celebration of all things kawaii. And well, Japan is not the place to look if you want any kind of clear interpretation of women, femininsm, and what defines the female.