Graphic designer Chris Gautschi finds inspiration in type, architecture and alchemy

Graphic designer Chris Gautschi’s work draws upon swiss typography from the mid 20th Century. “It is a minimalist and radical approach that tends towards using the least elements possible, thus giving it a timeless, contemporary aspect,” he says. He graduated from Ecole d’Arts Appliqués in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 2005 and has since built up a portfolio that includes identities for businesses and institutions, publications, posters and more.

His work is heavily inspired by master builders, alchemists, geometry and architecture. “I like to find parallels between the tools of the builders, and the graphic designer’s duty to build and draw what is essential for a project,” he says. “I try to apply these same methods through my designs. In those structures, one can often see the golden section at work; its function was to let the light in in order to attain visual perfection. Constructing a cathedral or a layout – for me, it boils down to the same thing.”

This year Chris will be working on architecture books, a personal project on alchemists, the identity and branding for a museum and a series of conferences in Geneva.