What does the future of graphic design look like? And how can today's emerging designers stay relevant in a fast-paced world? These are just some of the questions we posed to Paula Scher, one of the world's most influential graphic designers, as we kick off season six of The Creative Boom Podcast.
Described as the "master conjurer of the instantly familiar", Scher straddles the line between pop culture and fine art in her iconic work, which can be seen just about everywhere you look. From the New York Public Theatre and MoMa to Tiffany & Co, Coca-Cola and Microsoft Windows, as well as iconic album covers for The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, and Bob Dylan – Paula has had a phenomenal career thus far and continues to push boundaries as a partner at Pentagram.
In a typical project in 2012, Scher created a new logo for Windows 8 that took it back to its roots as a window. We touch on this during our chat and discover how she helped the global brand re-imagine its older four-colour symbol as a more modern geometric shape. It's typical of her no-nonsense approach to graphic design, which continues to be in huge demand today. And it's something any of us can learn from.
In fact, Paula has just released a new course for BBC Maestro, simply titled Graphic Design. It promises to explore the techniques central to successful visual communication, drawing on her own experiences in the field and offering exclusive insight into both her singular vision and innovative practices that have shaped today's industry.
But we also wanted to know her thoughts on self-promotion, why she has never liked social media, and – most importantly – where she thinks AI is heading and how it might shape the future of graphic design.
The beauty of design in turning frustrations into delight, with Clara Gaggero Westaway
Middle age and 'slowing this whole mess down', with Aaron Draplin
The power of creativity in driving Stoke-on-Trent's regeneration, with Simon Davies
Building a sustainable design studio and creative career, with Teresa Ferreira
Retraining social media habits to stop being an 'internet artist', with Julian Glander
Feel the fear and do it anyway, with Joanna Henly
The art of adaptation and staying ahead in changing times, with Sean J. Cuttino
Posture, healthy backs and the creative industry, with Eleanor Burt
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The art and science behind successful rebranding, with Lee Rolston
The magic of filmmaking and surviving Hollywood, with Miles Watts
The Creative Boom Podcast Christmas Special 2023
Why it's ok to have no idea what you're doing, with Graeme McGowan
The importance of embracing change, with Metz ti Bryan
Finding purpose and meaning in our creative work, with Kirsty Minns
The creative industry and the menopause, with Melissa Robertson
How to build a better creative business, with Radim Malinic
The art of social media promotion, with Brian Hollingsworth
Why Now is Better, with Stefan Sagmeister
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