Thoughts on Design

A collection of articles written by Paul Rand, interviews, videos and exhibits information.

Articles by Paul Rand

• 1949 - Black in the Visual Arts

  Originally published in “Graphic Forms: The Arts as Related to the Book”, Harvard University Press.

• 1952 - The Trademark as an Illustrative Device

  Originally published in “Seven Designers Look At Trademark Design”.

• 1960 - Advertisement: Ad Vivum or Ad Hominem?

  By Paul and Ann Rand, originally published in a special issue of “Daedalus: The Visual Arts Today”.

• 1965 - Design and the Play Instinct

  Originally published in “Education of Vision”.

• 1965 - Trademarks of the World Preface

  Originally published in “Trademarks of the World”.

• 1971 - Integrity and Invention

  Graphis Magazine introduction.

• 1981 - On the RCA Ad

  Originally published in “The Design Concept”.

• 1985 - The Politics of Design

  Originally published in “A Designer’s Art”.

• 1989 - The Case for the Ampersand

  A critical review of Eric Gill’s “An Essay on Typography”.

• 1991 - Logos, Flags, and Escutcheons

  AIGA article by Paul Rand.

• 1992 - Confusion and Chaos: The Seduction of Contemporary Graphic Design

  Originally published in the AIGA Journal of Graphic Design, Volume 10, Number 1, 1992.

• 1993 - Object Lessons

  Originally published in The New Criterion.

• 1993 - Failure by Design

  Originally published in the New York Times.

• A Selection of Quotes

  Great quotes from various resources.

• Suggested Readings

  A list of books for further reading on art, philosphy, design and more.

Interviews with Paul Rand

• 1989 - Paul Rand interview by Steven Heller

  Originally published in “Graphic Design In America: A Visual Language History”.

• 1989 - Type Talks interview

  A conversation about type with Paul Rand and Mario Rampone.

• 1990 - Paul Rand on the Play Instinct

  Steven Heller interview Paul Rand about ‘Play’ and its role in design. Originally published in Design Dialogues.

• 1995 - Interview with a Portfolio Center Student

  A witty interview conducted via fax.

• 2001 - Interview excerpt from Rand's final interview at the MIT Media Laboratory

  From John Maeda's "Maeda@Media" book.

Videos

• 1991- Miggs Burroughs with Paul Rand

  Miggs Burroughs talks with Paul Rand about his life and work for the Connecticut TV show "Miggs B. on TV".

• 1993- Steve Jobs interview about working with Paul Rand

  Steve Jobs talks about what it was like working with Paul Rand on the NEXT logo.

• 1994- Steven Heller interviews Paul Rand

  Filmed at the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St Paul Minnesota.

• 1996- Conversations with Paul Rand

  Filmed in 1996 by PM Films.

• 2006- John Stossel comments on Graphic Design

  John Stossel from 20/20 comments on Graphic Design.

• 2007- Induction to the One Club Hall Of Fame

  Paul Rand inducted to the One Club's Hall of Fame and tribute video by Imaginary Forces.

• 2008- Paul Rand Lecture Series

  Steven Heller lectures on Paul Rand's book cover and jacket designs.

Events & Exhibitions

• 1988 - School of Visual Arts Masters Series: Paul Rand

  Held at the School of Visual Arts Museum, New York.

• 1990 - The Graphic Art of Paul Rand

  3 pictures of the invitation to the gallery opening at the University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT.

• 1992 - Ginza Graphic Gallery

  79th exhibition featuring Paul Rand, Japan.

• 1994 - Paul Rand exhibit in Westport, CT

  2 pictures of the invitation to the gallery opening at the Westport Arts Center, Westport, CT.

• 2007 - Catalog Covers of UCLA Extension: Masters of Graphic Design

  An exhibit showcasing the covers of UCLA's Extension program, from 1990-2007.

• 2007 - 18th International Poster and Graphic Design Festival of Chaumont, Paul Rand at Les Silos

  Exhibit showcasing Paul Rand's more prominent works.