How much has changed in the world of graphic design in the past 40 years? Hard to tell. We have today technical abilities that people in the 70′s wouldn’t even dream of. Also, we experienced major changes in communications, where graphics have a decisive role. And last, our society, our values and perspectives have changed quite a bit. Sounds like we’re talking about an entirely different universe.

But on the other hand, take a look at these four sets of ads, each containing a sample from a different decade. Did graphic design really change that much throughout these decades? Sure, the ads of our decade tend to show more skin, but what about use of colors? Ratio of text and image? Sizes, shapes, fonts? Take a look and judge for yourselves.

Wrangler Advertisements

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

Ray Ban Advertisements

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

Jaguar Advertisements

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

Bacardi Advertisements

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s