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In a time when everybody has a copy of Photoshop, and desktop publishing is so ubiquitous that to refer to it as anything other than “using Word” seems almost troglodytic, it’s easy to forget the extreme efforts and almost obsessive attention to detail that went into executing even the simplest of pre-computer-assisted graphic designs. If ever there were a poster-child (unintentional pun, I swear) for said devotion to details combined with an expressive yet elegant simplicity, it would be Neville Smith.
Recently awarded a Les Usherwood Lifetime Achievement Award by the Advertising and Design Club of Canada, Smith has created a body of work that would make most accomplished designers insecure (including envy-inducing work with the Government of Canada’s Exhibition Commission for Expo ’67 and Expo ’70). Yet it is Smith’s unassuming Black Cat Café poster that remains synonymous with his fanatical quest for perfection.
An almost textbook exercise in the fundamentals of good graphic design, Smith plays with symmetry, colour, hierarchy and focus so adeptly that it borders on manipulative. Smith went on to win more than 20 international design awards for Black Cat, and any graphic designer trained in Canada over the last 15 years will instantly recognize it as the aspirational exemplar of composition cruelly dangled before them by their first year instructors.
15 comments — Leave a Comment
NICE POST!
I am so proud of him, not because he’s my dad but because he has taught me so much about standing up for what you believe in and putting your heart and soul in to it. He never did anything for money, he always did everything for the love of art and always stayed true to his vision. I know that it’s not the big awards that mean as much to him as a young students approaching him and recognizing his work for the great and unique pieces that they are.
Lesley
i’d like to know how i can buy this poster,,where and the cost thank -you bob ,denver colorado, usa
Lesley tell me about your dad, his life and the poster ,thanks bob http://www.ilove 38c@yahoo.com
I have a mint 23×35 of this poster and am wondering if it is still available — and its monetary value. Can someone tell me?
I have a signed and numbered poster. Can anyone tell me the value?
I have a framed original of this poster…anyone have any idea of it’s value.
I also have a framed original “Toronto Art Directors – Directions ’83” poster…again anyone have any idea of value?
I have a copy of this poster framed in gold. Am willing to sell or trade item. I am located in Madison Wisconsin.
I have signed copy of the Black Cat poster. I pleased to say that it is not for sale.
my best to Neville, who is now working on the Renaissance Fair movie poster… 2012.
tony.
I have a mint copy of this poster in a gold brushed frame.
Would like to sell , wondering value??
STEVE
I have a mint copy of this poster. It’s in a brushed gold frame.
I would like to sell and wondering correct value ??
Steve in Ottawa, ONT.
It has been out of print for many years. I would like very much to replace the one I no longer own however. Those of you here interested in selling yours are welcome to contact me.
Antonio
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Antonio, You did not leave contact info. If you would like to contact me.
You can reach me at 613 513-6939,
Steve in Ottawa , Ontario Canada. Thanks.
I am curious to know the approximate value of a signed, dated 1982, and numbered 47/200, Neville Smith Black Cat Poster. Mint condition, brushed gold frame. Purchased March 22, 1983, from Elgin Art in Ottawa
Two great influnces in my early design schooling. Neville and Earnst Berancher.
Neville said he would rather see Swiss than poor design.