Everyone knows The Simpsons. The series premiered on December 17, 1989 and is now in its 28th season—making it the longest-running American sitcom and the longest-running American animated program of all time.
But looking at it from a designer’s perspective, I can’t help but think part of the reason the show is such a cultural phenomenon is because of the iconic design of the characters. There’s a sophistication in the simplicity that allows the parts to remind us of the whole.
For some end-of-week inspiration, let’s check out how 14 designers reimagined The Simpsons.
Bartkira Crop by Andrew Kolb. This mashup of Bart Simpson as Akira just makes you want to yell BAAAAAAART, Manga style.
Best of the Simpsons by BloodBros. Sometimes it takes seeing Mr. Burns as a mermaid to realize the one thing you’ve been missing all this time.
Drip Series Homer – No Lines by Nathan Walker. Looks like Salvador Dali granted Homer’s wish to be one with a donut.
Mr. Sparkle by Ohwow. A sparkling presentation for Springfield’s own Mr. Clean.
Simpsons icons by Daniela Aguirre. These abstract icons show how the the core of The Simpsons can be represented with just a few shapes.
Whacking Day by Lucas Jubb. Instead of whacking the snakes, let’s get Barry White to lure them to his house. They’ll love it.
The Simpsons Archive by Amit Patel. The Simpsons’ style is so iconic that even dissected, you can still see the family in this Picasso-esque piece.
Homer icons by Michael Walchalk. This representation of Homer shows that the circle may be Homer’s spirit animal with the round bowling ball, donut, and beer can (counting a cylinder as a circle).
The Simpsodynes by Quick Brown Fox. A unique take on the hairbrush.
Bart Shredson by Harry Moorman. The artist’s take on a slightly more grown-up Bart.
Hat Series #13 by Tyler Pate. Even objects in The Simpsons can have a life of their own. Shown here, Chief Wiggum’s police hat symbolizes the core of his character, the dopey police chief.
Treehouse of Horror IV by Lucas Jubb. The sheer joy of being one with what you love.
Seems Nobody Wants To Hang Out In A Dank Pit No More by MC Wolfman. It’s time to back away slowly and get a drink elsewhere. Maybe Shelbyville.
Homer Simpson GIF by I-Ming. The hypnotic rhythm of a Homer walking in its natural habitat. They don’t do that often.
More design inspiration
by Randy Oest
Randy Oest is a designer, thinker, and teacher. He works at Four Kitchens as a Designer and Front-end Engineer, is an avid Star Trek fan, and plays too many board games.
