The Good is the Enemy of the Great
Even the most recognizable icons, which have made permanent imprints on the hearts of Americans, always seems to go without recognition to their creator. However, the infamous “I love New York” logo as well as some of the most famous posters during the Obama campaign, have one of the worlds most renowned creators: Milton Glaser. A graphic artist who has been names “the Picasso of the graphic arts field”, and abides by the motto, “if you have a chance never have a job”. Milton Glaser has created some of the most individualized work throughout the decades, and remains the face of graphic art.
Born in 1929 in New York City, Glaser was no stranger to the arts. He attended the high school of Music and Art in his early years. Later on, with the help of a Fulbright scholarship, Glaser attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, Italy and worked with Giorgio Morandi during that time. His immense creativity vibrantly floods the pages of his vast works in design. He is a common day Renaissance man by his unique style and broad areas of work including newspapers, magazine and book designs, posters, toys, corporate identity logos, packaging campaigns, and CD covers. Most of his popular work however, resides in poster design, including the popular Bob Dylan poster with the brilliant streams of color. He has also done famous work with packaging design for Brooklyn Brewing Co., as well as Time Magazine.
Along with his many famous icons and clients, Glaser has many other outstanding accomplishments including becoming the co-founder of Pushpin studios in 1954 and founder of New York Magazine in 1968 followed by WBMG publication design firm in 1983. Some of his work is more than iconic, it hits home and becomes more heart felt, such as his designs for the logos of many restaurants in the World Trade Center. His vast experience over the decades has mounted him on the top of the most admirable graphic designers in the world. Glaser even was presented the Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama. The Medal of Arts is an immeasurable honor, but what’s more is Glaser was the 1972 recipient of the AIGA medal which is the highest honor given to a graphic designer in this country. He also is the only artist to have 1 man shows at both the Centre Gorges Pompidou in Paris and Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Milton Glaser has run his own corporation since 1974, Milton Glaser inc. and is surrounded by a lifetime of accomplishments and immense pride. He once said, “how you live changes your brain”, and he has made a life out of his work. His pride will remain infinite, and his many works and books will subside as timeless pieces from one of the greatest graphic inspirations to all artists and designers worldwide.
