Classic Colors: Dick Bruna

Posted by itrendstyle in Color Trends on November 27th, 2009 | no responses

Dick Bruna is best known for his children’s books which he authored and illustrated, now numbering over 200. His best known creation is Miffy (Nijntje in the original Dutch), a small rabbit drawn with heavy graphic lines, simple shapes and primary colors.

Aside from his prolific catalog of children’s books, Bruna also illustrated and designed book covers, posters and promotional materials for his father’s publishing company A.W. Bruna and Zoon. His most popular designs graced the covers of the Zwarte Beertjes series of books.

Children’s Books

Miffy is a small female rabbit in a series of picture books drawn and written by Dutch artist Dick Bruna. Her original Dutch name is Nijntje [n???nc?] which stems from a toddler’s pronunciation of the word “konijntje” meaning “little rabbit”.

The first Miffy book was produced in 1955, and almost 30 others have followed. In total they have sold over 85 million copies, and inspired a television series as well as items such as clothes and toys featuring the character.

Other Designs

In these book cover designs Dick Bruna experimented with collage, montage and the influences of Matisse, Leger and Mondrian in the development of his unique style. These clear designed covers became not only trade-marks of the publishing company but they became so iconical that they needed no words to convey messages intended for publicity. The book covers are considered a landmark in international graphic design.