Paula Scher Highlight

Paula Scher is a celebrated graphic designer who has made significant contributions to the field. Scher's work is characterized by her bold use of typography and color, as well as her ability to combine graphic design with fine art. She has designed countless logos, posters, and album covers, and her work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. In this article, we will explore Scher's contributions to graphic design and her impact on the industry.

Scher's Early Career

Scher was born in Virginia in 1948 and grew up in Washington D.C. She attended the Tyler School of Art at Temple University, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1970. After graduation, she moved to New York City, where she began her career as a layout artist for Random House. In 1972, she joined the CBS Records art department, where she designed album covers for artists such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. It was during her time at CBS that Scher developed her signature style of bold typography and bright colors.

Designing for the Public Theater

In 1991, Scher was approached by the Public Theater in New York City to design a new identity for the organization. The Public Theater is a non-profit theater company that produces plays and musicals in New York City. Scher's design for the Public Theater's identity featured a bold, blocky typeface and a bright red slash. The slash was used in various applications, such as posters and programs, and became a recognizable symbol of the Public Theater. Scher's design for the Public Theater was so successful that it has remained in use for over 30 years.

Revitalizing Brand Identities

Throughout her career, Scher has been sought after to revitalize brand identities. She has worked with a range of clients, from large corporations to small non-profits, to refresh their visual identities. One of her most notable rebranding projects was for Citibank in 1998. Citibank had a reputation for being a stodgy and conservative bank, and they wanted to update their image to appeal to a younger demographic. Scher's design for Citibank's identity featured a bold, lowercase typeface and a bright blue color. The new identity was a hit, and it helped Citibank reposition itself as a modern and innovative bank.

Designing Album Covers

Scher has also designed album covers for a range of artists, from Bob Dylan to The Rolling Stones. Her designs often featured bold typography and bright colors, and she was known for her ability to capture the essence of an album with her designs. One of her most iconic album covers is for the album "Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen. The cover features a black and white photograph of Springsteen with the album title in bold, bright red letters. The cover has become synonymous with the album and is recognized around the world.

Teaching and Mentoring

In addition to her design work, Scher has also been an influential teacher and mentor. She has taught at numerous universities, including the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and she has mentored countless young designers. Scher has been recognized with numerous awards for her teaching and mentorship, including the AIGA Medal in 2001.

Scher's Impact on the Industry

Scher's contributions to graphic design have had a significant impact on the industry. Her bold use of typography and color has become a hallmark of modern graphic design, and her ability to combine graphic design with fine art has inspired countless designers. Scher's work has also been instrumental in shaping the visual identities of numerous organizations, from large corporations to small non-profits.

Scher's influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary graphic designers

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