HBO Real Time show open design

Project Goals

The goal for the new 2024 Real Time Show Open was to engage the viewer with a stimulating juxtaposition of the current political issues but with a positive skew.

Joseph developed the overarching design look and metaphorical imagery for the initial launches of each new show open. He focused on creating designs that were engaging yet flexible so that the content could be updated to reflect current events.

Client:

Agency:

HBO Real Time with Bill Maher show open 2023

HBO Real Time show open 2023 social media evils. Skull and cross bone thumbs up with phone.

Patriotic colors

The classic red and blue palette was tweaked to be more modern and relevant. A rich range of blue grey backgrounds are punctuated by the bright magenta red, blue green and lime yellow.

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HBO Real Time show open 2023 man carrying house debt and a ball and chain with a college graduation hat

HBO Real Time show open 2023 house wiht family, healthcare, car and education icon shought bubbles

HBO Real Time show open 2023 cancel culture lincoln statue with pointing woman hands

HBO Real Time show open 2023 free speech bubbles from a mans head

Complex metaphors

Political issues are notoriously difficult to simplify much less distill down into a single image. The more complex and layered ideas required a more complex sequences of visuals to communicate the idea.

HBO: Real Time Show Open

Design exploration

As part of the development process, Joseph explored additional design options for communicating climate and social issues, using bold illustrative iconography, simplified forms, flat color, strong silhouettes, and textural compositions.