Artists That Inspired Me: Keith Haring's Influence on My 'You've Got The Love' Poster

As a designer and music enthusiast, I often draw inspiration from a variety of artistic movements and styles. One artist who's had a lasting impact on my work is Keith Haring. Known for his vibrant and energetic style. His unique approach to line work, bold use of color, and simple yet evocative figures have influenced my own designs, particularly my "You've Got The Love" poster.

Keith Haring: A Revolutionary Artist

Keith Haring’s art is instantly recognizable. His work, which often includes bright colors and playful, cartoonish characters, captures the spirit of the 1980s while addressing serious social issues like AIDS, apartheid, and drug addiction. Haring’s use of line and space is minimal yet powerful—his figures, often contorted in dynamic, expressive poses, convey emotion without the need for intricate detail.

The Influence on My 'You've Got The Love' Poster

When I set out to design my "You've Got The Love" poster, I wanted to capture the same sense of energy and emotional resonance that Haring's art so effortlessly conveys.

Haring's influence is particularly evident in the bold, simplistic lines and use of bright, contrasting colors. 

Keith Haring and Larry Levan's Paradise Garage

Keith Haring’s art was not just informed by social and political issues but also by the vibrant New York City club scene, particularly the legendary Paradise Garage. The nightclub, famed for its incredible sound system and its inclusivity, was a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, made famous by legendary DJ Larry Levan. Famously, Haring, loved the club so musch that he would fly back to New York from whereever he was in the world so he didn't miss the legendary party. The energy and freedom of the Paradise Garage are mirrored in Haring's work, with his dynamic, dancing figures capturing that same sense of joy and release that the music provided.

Why Keith Haring Matters

Keith Haring's art wasn’t just about creating visually striking images—it was about using art as a tool for change, for connection, and for expression. His work remains relevant because it transcends time and place, speaking to universal themes of love, joy, and the human experience. As I continue to design, I draw on his legacy, using art not only to inspire others but to evoke the same emotions that Haring's work so beautifully achieved.

His approach to art-making reminds me of the power that simple shapes and bold colors can have in creating something profound. It’s this simplicity that I’ve tried to channel in my own designs, including the "You’ve Got The Love" poster, and I hope that viewers can feel the same sense of joy and connection that Haring’s work so effortlessly evoked in his audience.

Sadly, Keith Haring’s life was cut short by AIDS, a disease that claimed the lives of many in the LGBTQ+ community during the 1980s and 1990s. Haring was diagnosed in 1988, and just a few years later, in 1990, he passed away at the age of 31. His untimely death from AIDS left a significant gap in the art world, but his legacy lives on through his foundation and the works that continue to inspire new generations of artists.

Despite his short life, Haring’s contributions to the art world and his advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness made him a symbol of resistance and hope. His decision to use his fame and platform to raise awareness about AIDS, particularly through his art and his involvement with organizations like the ACT UP movement, showed the power of art in the fight against societal injustices. His legacy is a testament to the lasting impact that one artist can have in creating change and fostering unity, even in the face of adversity.