“A poster is a bit like a song”: Jakub Zasada’s geometric works are a thing of beauty

Jakub Zasada’s posters feel like they’re from a different era – specifically, the midcentury era of design that was ruled by the likes of Saul Bass and Paul Rand. But, what sets Jakub’s works apart, is the fact that they’re made digitally, with the humble mouse and keyboard.

Jakub never learnt how to draw, and he treats software and old graphics programs like editing tables; only using a couple functions in these applications: layering, contrast and changing colour. It’s scanned materials that give Jakub’s work its angular, geometric style – pieces of paper and cardboard that create large blocks and text. “For me posters are functional; I believe they should be printed, hung and should function in public spaces, on walls or doors in our homes, offices and garages,” says Jakub.

In his improvisational style – which is large in personality and pops right off the page – you can see how Jakub has taken inspiration from vinyl record fairs, local gigs and cultural events (which he has also created posters for). Musicality is all over these art works, with characters playing instruments that have been broken down to their most basic shapes – keyboards become single blocks, brass instruments become nondescript and character’s expressions are illustrated with brevity.

Like Jakub’s interest in slogans, his posters are straight to the point and accessible across any language. “All you need is the venue, date, and time of the event. I believe every event should have a poster, which you can later submit to your local library archives, after the event is over,” says Jakub. “For me a poster is a bit like a song. You know what it looks like. You’ll recognise it, you’ll come across it on the street and in bars. It appears and then disappears.”