Teamwork Builds Ships – United States Shipping Board – Emergency Fleet Corporation

Description

Being faithful to the message of the Liberty Loan posters call for patriotism and cooperation, the United States Shipping Board posters adopted a similar approach in recruiting workers for the shipyards. In this poster the idea is communicated graphically and symbolically. The slogan is immediately understandable. The large block lettering is in keeping with the grandiose size of the poster while the flat masses of color that make up the design are simple and forceful. William Dodge Stevens, the designer, definitely depended on color to complete this design. The midnight blue against the flaming orange creates a sharp and vivid contrast uncommon in most posters of the Great War. Without these well articulated colors, the figures and indeed the whole design would diminish in vigor and impact. Though these three strongly determined men are involved in the very action of the message, the lingering image is that of the intense colors. Certainly the choice of colors, the slogan and the overall design combine into a clear and compelling poster.