Grunge & Graphic Design

The dictionary literally describe “grunge” as filthy or dirty. But if you’ll ask an individual who grew up in the 90’s era whose present age ranges from 28 to 32, that person might say “Nirvana”. What’s the connection between grunge and Nirvana plus graphic design? A graphic designer who has no idea who is Kurt Cobain will never associate Nirvana and grunge.

Let’s have more focus by driving back in time and describing the 90’s era. Prior to this decade is the 80’s New Wave. When the band Nirvana composed of Kurt Cobain (vocals, lead), Krist Novelisc (bass), and David Grohl (drummer) emerged in the music scene, the new wave trend set by punks were replaced by “GRUNGE” music. Grunge is a phenomena streaming not just in music but in fashion also. Members of grunge bands wear ripped jeans, rugged shirts, flannels, Dr. Marten’s boots, Chuck Taylor Converse, silver accessories and long hair. Their songs and behaviors are often associated with drug addiction, depression, and suicide. Their album cover designs contain surreal theme, decadence, and darkness.

As the 90’s ends, the popularity of grunge faded as well. Two decades have passed and only those teens nurtured in the music of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots and many bands could recall the grunge spirit of the 90’s. Grunge has silenced its loud and stingy voice for the many years but is finally revived by 2009. Grunge has morphed into fashion and visual arts. That’s why you can see teenagers and even celebrities wearing flannels and ripped jeans. The grunge philosophy was also strengthened by the internet with all those data especially music videos and Wiki profiles of grunge bands.

In relation to graphic design, grunge now became a theme or a style of design. Grunge design is characterized as stained, torn, faded, washed, decayed, coarse in texture and of course dark. There are tons of grunge graphics you can download from the internet. Grunge templates for websites and blogs are made available and free by numerous artists. Video tutorials on how to create grunge design in Photoshop are also posted on Youtube. You can download various Photoshop brushes used to create grunge design. Grunge fonts are also provided by several graphic art related websites.

The metamorphosis of grunge from music to graphic design is tremendous. Who could ever expect that the rampaging language of the 90’s soul has turned into wonderful designs appreciated by people regardless of genre or age. Even though grunge now only echoes its music, its spirit never ceases and continues to strengthen in the field of graphic design.