We would like to ask Milton Glaser to be our best friend—our whipsmart, pink ascot-wearing, Mortadella-eating friend, who, at 84, makes us feel like we've been sleepwalking in comparison. He also happens to be a celebrated American graphic designer, whose portfolio includes "I ♥ NY," Bob Dylan's "Greatest Hits" poster, the DC bullet logo, and more recent work like the Brooklyn Brewery and Jet Blue logos. Oh, and he also co-founded New York Magazine. Another reason we heart him? Don't ever pose the question, "What do you think about graphic design?" because he'll likely tell you that it's like asking, "What do you think about those two wooden chairs?"
We caught up withGlaser our new BFF last night at NeueHouse, before his talk with Steve Hindy of Brooklyn Brewery and moderated by OC friend Spencer Bailey, the executive editor of Surface.
JEANINE CELESTE PANG: As a kid, what was your first fond memory of design?
MILTON GLASER: Every child I knew, who wanted to be an artist, read comic strips. We copied Walt Disney, we copied Terry and the Pirates. That’s how we all learned.
You created the "I ♥ NY" logo in 1977. If you were to reinvent it now, what would it look like?
I wouldn’t reinvent it. If something is doing its work, you don’t change it. It still has energy, it still has juice, it still accomplishes its task. You don’t change while you’re winning.
From the over 400 unique logos and/or poster art in your portfolio, why do you think some seem to "stick" over others?
It does something most people don’t associate with design. It generates a sense of affection between the viewer and the market. And for me these days, generating affection is the key to all of this stuff.
Can you speak to "I Love New York," in particular?
It's the combination of the voluptuous, erotic nature of the heart and the restrictive, tight-ass character of the lettering.
Tight-ass?
It’s kind of anal lettering, isn't it? It's very straight. And, the contrast between the constraints of the black and the voluptuousness of the heart makes it interesting—psychologically.
Your birthday is coming up, on June 26 to be exact! Are you turning 86? What are your thoughts on birthdays?
I’m going to be 85—don’t rush it. I let them go by quickly and unnoticed.
So what is the most exciting thing that’s happening in your life these days?
The most exciting thing has always been the same for me, ever since I was five years old: Thinking of something and making it appear. An act of magic. You think of a bug and you can make the bug. There’s nothing in my life that has been as satisfying.
Well, since you've lived longer than most of us: What is the most surprising thing you've learned in your old age?
Basically, how much people create mischief for themselves i
We caught up with
JEANINE CELESTE PANG: As a kid, what was your first fond memory of design?
MILTON GLASER: Every child I knew, who wanted to be an artist, read comic strips. We copied Walt Disney, we copied Terry and the Pirates. That’s how we all learned.
You created the "I ♥ NY" logo in 1977. If you were to reinvent it now, what would it look like?
I wouldn’t reinvent it. If something is doing its work, you don’t change it. It still has energy, it still has juice, it still accomplishes its task. You don’t change while you’re winning.
From the over 400 unique logos and/or poster art in your portfolio, why do you think some seem to "stick" over others?
It does something most people don’t associate with design. It generates a sense of affection between the viewer and the market. And for me these days, generating affection is the key to all of this stuff.
Can you speak to "I Love New York," in particular?
It's the combination of the voluptuous, erotic nature of the heart and the restrictive, tight-ass character of the lettering.
Tight-ass?
It’s kind of anal lettering, isn't it? It's very straight. And, the contrast between the constraints of the black and the voluptuousness of the heart makes it interesting—psychologically.
Your birthday is coming up, on June 26 to be exact! Are you turning 86? What are your thoughts on birthdays?
I’m going to be 85—don’t rush it. I let them go by quickly and unnoticed.
So what is the most exciting thing that’s happening in your life these days?
The most exciting thing has always been the same for me, ever since I was five years old: Thinking of something and making it appear. An act of magic. You think of a bug and you can make the bug. There’s nothing in my life that has been as satisfying.
Well, since you've lived longer than most of us: What is the most surprising thing you've learned in your old age?
Basically, how much people create mischief for themselves i