Exploring North Korea's Graphic Design
A dive into bright visuals from a bleak country
North Korea as a nation is renowned for existing in an isolated sphere with limited technological influence from the rest of the world. As a result, design tendencies unique to the country are preserved.
Illustrations
Late to the digital wave, illustrations for the longest time were done by hand.
Utility
Blunt, precise, and with no added frills, packaging serves to inform the buyer of its content for what it's for - and nothing more.
Vibrance
Bright colours arguably are used to distract from the reality of mass poverty, food shortages and deteriorating education.
Symbolism
As part of propaganda, architectural icons are printed on products to highlight the superiority of the nation.
Q: Do you think North Korean design effectively portrays an idyllic image of their reality?
