Everyone knows the “I ❤ New York” symbol. It’s iconic and influential. Much like the designer who made it.
Milton Glaser passed away the other day on June 26. He was 91. In fact, it was his 91st birthday. How many people die on their own birthday? Wow. Not many that I’ve ever heard of. It seems fitting and special…unique…again, much like Milton Glaser himself. He did so much that informed our world, and I’m sure his work will continue to do so long into the future.
He is the only Graphic Designer to ever be given the National Medal of Arts. He was awarded this in 2009. I first learned about Milton Glaser when I was in art school. One of our projects was to design a chess set that in some way related to a famous artist. Since I was studying “Commercial Art”, later to be known as “Graphic Design”, I decided to pick someone who was related to the field. I chose Mr. Glaser and began to research him. My chess set was in primary colors, organic shapes and was a travel set – since his work was international. My teacher liked it. 🙂
Later in my career, I was fortunate to hear Milton Glaser speak a couple of times. His way of looking at design and living as a creative person was so inspiring. His famous Bob Dylan poster inspired me to do a little art piece as a tribute to him. While the colors in the Dylan poster are forming the hair, my colors with this are forming my bunny’s energetic ambience…her “aura” if you will.
I encourage everyone to research and learn more about Milton Glaser’s work and imprint on culture. I think you’ll be surprised how many things you are aware of that are part of his long life’s work.
Lisa Clements 