Original Thinker
Milton Glaser
1929—2020
Milton Glaser, renowned for his innovative graphic design and iconic logos, is rightly considered one of the most influential figures in the design world. His original thinking, creative prowess, and distinct approach to graphic design have left a lasting imprint on the industry. This article explores the life, work, and impact of Milton Glaser, underscoring his contributions as an original thinker.
Born in New York City in 1929, Glaser’s artistic journey began at the High School of Music & Art in Manhattan. He later studied at the Cooper Union Art School and the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, Italy. This diverse education helped cultivate his innovative approach to design.
I Love New York logo by Milton Glaser
Glaser’s originality and inventive thinking are perhaps most strikingly demonstrated in his creation of the “I NY” logo. Designed in 1977 to boost tourism during a particularly challenging period for New York City, this simple, bold design became an instantly recognisable symbol worldwide. Glaser’s brilliance lies not only in the design’s visual impact but also in its embodiment of the city’s spirit, encapsulating a universal message of love and resilience.
Another significant contribution from Glaser is his co-founding of New York Magazine in 1968, where he served as the president and design director until 1977. The magazine’s dynamic layout, which seamlessly integrated content and design, marked a departure from traditional magazine formats and demonstrated Glaser’s original approach to editorial design.
Glaser was also a trailblazer in branding and visual identity design. One of his most notable works in this area is the logo and identity system he created for DC Comics. His innovative use of simple, bold shapes and vivid colours captured the energy and dynamism of the comic book world, setting a new standard for visual identities in the industry.
New York Magazine identity and cover illustration by Milton Glaser
Aside from his work, Glaser’s influence extends to his teachings and philosophy on design. As a long-time faculty member at the School of Visual Arts in New York, he educated and inspired many aspiring designers. His famous quote, “There are three responses to a piece of design – yes, no, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for,” encapsulates his belief in design’s power to astonish and resonate with audiences.
In his prolific career, Glaser received numerous accolades, including the National Medal of the Arts awarded by President Obama in 2009. These honours reflect his significant contributions to the field and the wide-reaching impact of his work.
Milton Glaser’s original thinking, creative genius, and pioneering contributions have had a profound influence on the world of design. He transformed the way we think about graphic design, from branding to editorial layout, proving that design can be simple yet powerful, practical yet emotional. As we continue to celebrate and learn from his work, we acknowledge the legacy of a true original thinker in design.
Brooklyn Brewery identity by Milton Glaser
This article was written by Artificial Intelligence as part of a series entitled ‘Original Thinkers’ by October Communications.