Advice for being creative comes easy and cheap these days. But when renowned and celebrated graphic designers, such as Glaser, Grieman, or Bierut share their wisdom, we’d be wise to listen.
The path to success for these icons was inevitably paved with countless hours of practice and unwavering commitment to the art. Persistence must be present to bring visuals to life, evoke emotions, and tell captivating stories.
Here are some invaluable ideas from iconic graphic designers and the universal lessons they carry for all creatives. These principles should resonate deeply with any creative mind.
1. “Fail more often in order to find out what you’re capable of learning.” – Milton Glaser
Milton Glaser, the visionary graphic designer, revolutionized the world of graphic design through his bold approach and innovative use of typography. Glaser’s designs are synonymous with the vibrant spirit of the 1960s and 1970s. His renowned work includes the iconic “I ♥ NY”, which became an emblem of New York City.
He was a firm believer that great creative achievements required a willingness to fail. Glaser’s advice remains vital for creatives wishing to succeed in their careers: take risks, fail, repeat, and hopefully create incredible work.
Glaser said: “Solving any problem is more important than being right.” Glaser’s designs have inspired generations of graphic designers to think beyond conventions and embrace their creativity.
Takeaway: Great ideas are possible when you let go of a fear of failure and prioritize innovation over consistent success.
2. “I like to step into areas where I am afraid. Fear is a sign that I am going in the right direction.” – April Greiman
As one of the first designers who embraced computer technology as a creative medium, fear and discomfort must have been unavoidable for April Greiman. There was no playbook for digital design. Greiman was a big proponent of pushing boundaries by finding a place of discomfort.
It is by allowing yourself to enter into those unknown spaces that, as an artist, you can truly find your voice and create provocative work. If you aren’t scared you probably aren’t taking a risk. If you can’t fail, you likely aren’t growing.
Takeaway: Learning to embrace fear isn’t that much different than accepting (the possibility of) failure – it’s a sign you are getting closer to creating something of impact.
3. “Be purposeful and thoughtful in the choices you make when the options are nearly infinite.” – Michael Bierut
Through his iconic logos and branding work, Michael Bierut has elevated the visual identity of numerous companies and institutions. Bierut’s elegant simplicity, attention to detail, and strategic thinking have redefined contemporary graphic design.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your creative process is hit pause. Taking a moment to step back and gain perspective (or gather the feedback of others) can help you make better, more thoughtful decisions.
Whether a simple decision like choosing an image to use in a project or an existential one, like deciding on the next phase of your career, Michael Bierut’s advice rings true. He speaks to the immense value of taking a moment to make purposeful choices.
Takeaway: It’s important to make deliberate creative choices that align with your purpose and contribute meaningfully to your work – and life.
4. “If I get up every day with the optimism that I have the capacity for growth, then that’s success for me.” – Paula Scher
Praised for her ability to “conjure the familiar”, Paula Scher’s influence on the world of graphic design is undeniable. Her most iconic works, including city maps and posters, blended graphic design with pop art for a unique genre.
Scher sees graphic design as more than just imagery that serves a purpose but as something to infuse with creativity and personality; something people can engage with and enjoy. Though her work gained commercial success, the designer valued personal growth over conventional ideas of success.
Paula Scher also said: “Beige is the color of indecision”; a quote telling of her view on bold design. Creatives in all fields can take note of Scher’s advice on living boldly and finding optimism to continue with challenging projects.
Takeaway: Success is about more than creating something that serves its purpose, it’s also about being bold in your explorations, allowing yourself to learn and grow.
5. “I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares.” – Saul Bass
A pioneer of graphic design, Saul Bass made a name for himself with his iconic film title sequences and logos. His minimalist style combined dynamic imagery and storytelling that was able to communicate narrative, whether for a brand or movie, effectively.
Saul Bass’s advice should be top of mind for any creatives who, when faced with impostor syndrome, worry about how their work will be perceived. It’s important to create what you perceive as beautiful, regardless of whether it receives recognition or appreciation.
Bass’s advice is to produce work that reflects the passion of your work. Likewise, all creatives can take note of the importance of personal fulfillment and dedication to the pursuit of artistic excellence, regardless of external validation.
Takeaway: Keep your audience in mind, but remember that you can’t please everyone. It’s better to create something meaningful to you than to worry about its reception.
6. “Do things that matter, things that will make those better, and things that will make you better.”- Jessica Walsh
Through a bold and innovative creative process, Jessica Walsh’s experimental typography has had a big influence on the world of graphic design. Her use of vibrant color palettes pushed boundaries and gave a new perspective on how typography can communicate ideas.
Being in her mid-twenties when she founded her first agency, the designer’s advice is of universal importance for creatives in a wide variety of creative spaces – especially those starting at a young age.
There’s more to the idea of personal development than taking a quick course or upskilling when required. As a creative, you should always be learning. Consistently be aware of what you can do to improve your past work, learn from it, and make better work in the future. As the designer also said: “Do the work that feeds your soul, not your ego.”
Takeaway: Meaningful actions lead to a positive impact. Engage in endeavors that contribute to the betterment of your work and your personal growth.
7. “Design is not something we do, it’s a way of life.” – Alan Fletcher
Alan Fletcher left his mark on the world of graphic design through his inventive and conceptual approach. There is an incredible range of imagination in his work.
Alan Fletcher encourages creatives to put their heart and soul into their work. Engage with your passions and tap into your imagination as much as possible. As Fletcher also said: “A person without imagination is like a teabag without hot water.”
Design is everywhere and it is in everything. The inspiration needed for a new project can come at any time. Strong creative output necessitates even stronger inputs. To nurture your passion, it’s not about immersion, but to open up yourself to opportunities and seeing what is there.
Takeaway: Make your passions part of your process, and success will come by seeing your art in everything.
Learning From Iconic Graphic Designers
Regardless of the medium or form of your creations, these design legends inspire us to continuously seek ways to express our unique perspectives and share them with the world.
Their wisdom emphasizes the importance of taking risks, embracing failure, and infusing creativity and personality into your work. They also highlight the value of maintaining optimism, making purposeful choices, focusing on meaningful impact, and putting your heart into your work.
By internalizing these principles, creatives working in any field can navigate their paths to embracing creativity and success, leaving their own indelible marks on the industry.
