Illustrator George Akimoto and the early days of “Communication Arts (CA)” magazine

This is the October, 1961 cover for CA, The Journal of Commercial Art and Design, which features the concept spacecraft and outerspace illustration by the late George Akimoto (American). From the collection of David Versluis.

In the book Graphic Design Time Line the authors write that in 1959:
“Communication Arts (CA) magazine is founded in San Francisco, California, by Dick Coyne and Bob Blanchard. Coyne is editor and designer. Freeman Craw designs logo. It began as The Journal of Commercial Art, but was called CA.” (1)

The context of the space theme for the CA cover, in 1961, probably relates to President John F. Kennedy’s special message on urgent national needs, which he delivered earlier that year before a joint session of Congress on May 25, 1961. In his message, Kennedy issued the challenge and goal of sending a man safely to moon and back by the end of the 60s decade. During the speech the President stated, “First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth. …”

(1) Heller, Steven, and Elinor Pettit. Graphic Design Time Line, A Century of Design Milestones. New York: Allworth Press, 2000. 144. Print.