Narative Illustration - Revolutionary Art

Animal Farm is based on the rise of Communism in Russia and the corruption of the ideal that follows. Propaganda played a huge role in one mans rise to power and his ability to hold on to it.

There is a lot of reference material to draw upon and it is all quite impressive.

These are some examples from the very beginnings of the Russian revolution, when the people drove out Tsar Nickolas II and the became a socialist state. The posters created are very colourful and some are in the abstract. They operate with a limited colour palate but that's what makes them so striking and eye-catching.




Cover for a photomontage book, by Sergei Chekhonin



"Workers of the World Unite!"
Gouache on paper, Artist unknown



Socialist revolutionary poster designed by Lev Brodoty 1917



Cover to Ogonyek, designed by Olga Amosova 1923

I would like to incorporate some of these styles into my work, a blending of the fictitious Animal Farm with the actual history that inspired it.

I have not yet fully realized my character designs, but now I have identified a style I can base the work around, I will now try to incorporate these 'Avant Garde' posters and illustrations into my own work.

Even the composition of some of these pieces might actually serve as a template for the animals in the book.