The posters of Milton Glaser – more than 450 since 1965 – combine conceptual rigour and originality with a mastery of visual language and a high level of artistic expression.
Some, like his 1967 Bob Dylan poster for Columbia Records, are icons; others, like his series celebrating “I Love New York,” evoke his best-known work. In a new book, all are included, with Glaser’s own commentary describing his thought process and inspiration.
Described as a delight for the art lover, an education in visual expression and an entertaining journey through the cultural life of half a century, all rolled into a single compact, intense volume, the book celebrates this iconic designer's illustrious career so far.
Speaking of his originality, Milton said: "At the beginning of your life, you don’t know what originality is and you derive everything you do know from the existing understanding or history or things you’ve read. I don’t know at what point you become truly original, but the idea of expressing yourself is certainly fundamental to all the so-called creative work.
"I always wanted the work I did to reflect some aspect of myself, but always knew that it would take some time to find that aspect. At any rate, I have never been conscious that originality was my primary aim. What I really cared about was effectiveness."
Milton Glaser is America’s most celebrated graphic designer and an articulate spokesman for the ethical practice of design. He opened Milton Glaser, Inc., in 1974, and he continues to produce a prolific amount of work in many fields of design to this day.
Milton Glaser Posters by Milton Glaser is published by Abrams. Buy the book Abrams & Chronicle. Priced at £22.99.
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