Category: Essays

Steven Heller|Essays

When America Leaned Fascist

Steven Heller explores graphic design’s role in early 20th century social-political interventions in America.

Steven Heller|Essays

Shouts and Tremors

Steven Heller share his thoughts on writing a memoir, and a few excerpts from his twenty year work-in-progress.

Ken Gordon|Essays

Four Reasons You, Young Designer, Should Read This Academic History of Empathy

Empathy, you must know by now, is a major keyword in the design business.

Steven Heller|Essays

Commercial Art: What a Way to Earn a Living

“Commercial art is a business. It is bought mostly for business purposes, and its cost is entered as a business expense on any company’s books.”

Jude Stewart|Essays

Enchanted Lion

Why aren’t graphic designers more broadly gaga for children’s literature? Why is kid-lit and children’s illustration considered a niche interest? After all, visual literacy begins for just about everyone with reading …

Brian LaRossa|Essays

Design’s Capacity for the Unknown

Five questions every designer needs to be able to answer and more, from the first-ever The Design of Business | The Business of Design Conference.

Sam Holleran|Essays

Designing the “Real Deal”

Is there room for capital-D design in a political landscape that equates its absence with authenticity? We examine the political design landscape two years after the red MAGA cap.

Steven Heller|Essays

Closing New York’s Penal Colony

How design is playing an integral role in the campaign to close Rikers Island.

Alicia Cheng|Essays

This is What Democracy Looked Like: A Brief History of the Printed Ballot

Steven Heller|Essays

Swastika v. Hammer and Sickle: An Odd Logo Competition

Why is one the symbol of hate while the other is virtually benign?

Bruce Kennett|Essays

W.A. Dwiggins — The Greatest Designer You’ve Never Heard Of

Although Dwiggins’s name is less prominent in the world of design than it once was, he remains a potent and inspiring figure.

Jason Tselentis|Essays

The Annals of Smart Speaker Advertising: Overused Advertising Copy

Amazon, Google, and Apple promise that each of their smart speakers will do what you want and get what you need. And they all promise it using the same language.