subject: Graphic Designer: Refer To It As "work" [print this page] It was an advertising phenomenon created virtually overnight after the launch of the now famous "I Love NY" logo seen plastered on bumper stickers, T-shirts and buttons all over the state. An entire generation can quickly recognize the design he created of a famous singer; the silhouette has a crown of rainbow colored lightning bolts for hair.
Any record collection from the 60s features at least one or more covers that were created by this famous designer, his work has permeated our culture. While few may be able to match a name to his work, this graphic designer's work is scattered across the country. If you were to ask him he would refuse to even discuss the art vs. design debate. He'd rather not use the term 'art' ever. There is simply work, and sometimes upon very rare occasion when a work is truly moving and astounds us, there is great work, he once remarked in an interview. Even that which we traditionally accept as art would be better regarded as work. If the work accomplishes its goal, we can call it good; we'll call it bad if it fails.
A major exhibit by this man illuminated the deviations of the 'Picasso of Design.' In one of his exhibits, he traced the "Picasso of Design" with red nylon rope, connecting his own work to these inspiring sources complete with sketches and drawings along the way. He says it shows the system he uses to create. It's like wandering around without knowing where you are going, but you end up discovering and finding amazing new things during your journey.
Many things inspire his work - one began simply with paper wings and a postcard of an angel. These two items were on the wall opposite the finished painting. A comic strip is hung across from another stunning work. This design makes fun of classical music's stuffy attitude, showing a famous pianist sneezing.
The designer believes the world to be his best visual resource. To convey the message needed in an advertisement for an Italian Typewriter Company, he used another famous painting's theme. The famous work shows a sad dog posing beside it's master's feet. The master is clearly dead. The dog is resting next to a red typewriter in the poster.
He helped design a remarkable studio in New York that has inspired designers to create better work. He also co-founded one of New York's major magazines, which influenced the tone of magazines all over the country. A famous trade center boasts a permanent exhibition as well as an observation deck and restaurants; these are all his work. He was also the designer of the red AIDs ribbon which is an instantly recognizable icon. He enjoys the diversity of his work, and loves to see how far he is able to stretch the boundaries surrounding it.
Potentially, one of his best known works is of a male singer; over six million copies were printed. The subject's hair is very colorful and drawn in a linear manner; the silhouette view was inspired by another famous work. He says that a lot of people ask him if he created the poster while he was on drugs. He has never said he took drugs, illegal or otherwise. Other art pieces he created comprise of a large children's playground, along with another one made just for adults.
by: Brian Streets
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