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Simple question. What's a name for that style of illustration that uses characterful slightly childish blocks of bold colour with imprecise edges, as if the illustration had been put together from pieces of coloured paper cut out with blunt scissors?

Some Paul Rand examples:

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Some Saul Bass examples (some mix in clipped photos):

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    "Paper cutout" style?
    – horatio
    Apr 4, 2013 at 13:49
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    "All I Need To Know About Graphic Design I Learned In Kindergarten."
    – Lauren-Clear-Monica-Ipsum
    Apr 4, 2013 at 14:06
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    @horatio The trouble with "Paper cutout style" is I find it's more often associated with elaborate things in the style of Rob Ryan these days, which is a very different style. It's the blocky characterful simplicity not the paper-like-ness
    – user56reinstatemonica8
    Apr 4, 2013 at 14:08
  • simplicity is often referred to as "minimalism"
    – horatio
    Apr 4, 2013 at 14:13
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    While 'simplicity' is often called 'minimalism' it's an abuse of the term, IMHO. As for what to call this style, 'Saul Bass' style is actually fairly accurate, IMHO. ;)
    – DA01
    Apr 4, 2013 at 15:47

1 Answer 1

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They both fall under the Swiss Style of Graphic Design

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  • Interesting, I'd always thought about the typography and text layout side of the Swiss style, but I see what you mean. "like swiss-style influenced paper cutouts" would probably work for someone who knows their design history (though they'd probably get "like Paul Rand and Saul Bass illustrations" as well)
    – user56reinstatemonica8
    Apr 4, 2013 at 16:00
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    While IIRC Rand practically invented Swiss Style, none of the samples in the original question conform to the Swiss Style.
    – horatio
    Apr 4, 2013 at 18:23

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