The Power of Aesthetics in Design and Why Beauty Matters - E42

Copying is a great way to study what makes an impactful website, poster, or even a social media post, according to Stefan Sagmeister.

Rei welcomes back graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister to explore the importance of beauty in form and design. Reflecting on his career, Stefan shares how his collaboration with Jessica Walsh transformed his perception of design aesthetics, the impact of Apple's design philosophy, and his innovative sabbatical approach and its role in maintaining his creative passion. With insights on embracing change, valuing aesthetics, and intentionally designing one's life, this episode offers profound wisdom for aspiring designers and creative professionals.

Stefan Sagmeister has designed for clients as diverse as the Rolling Stones, HBO, and the Guggenheim Museum. He’s a two time Grammies winner and also earned practically every important international design award.

Stefan talks about the large subjects of our lives like happiness or beauty, how they connect to design and what that actually means to our everyday lives. He spoke 5 times at the official TED, making him one of the three most frequently invited TED speakers.

His books sell in the hundreds of thousands and his exhibitions have been mounted in museums around the world. His exhibit ’The Happy Show' attracted way over half a million visitors worldwide and became the most visited graphic design show in history. 

A native of Austria, he received his MFA from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and, as a Fulbright Scholar, a master’s degree from Pratt Institute in New York.

Timestamps:

• 0:03 The Evolution of Aesthetic Importance in Design
• 4:25 Apple's Unwavering Commitment to Design and Aesthetics
• 9:03 Stefan Sagmeister on Long-Term Projects and Creative Sabbaticals
• 16:54 The Importance of Form and Copying in Design Learning
• 20:20 The Dual Nature of Online Interactions and Empathy
• 22:57 Stefan Sagmeister on Design, Beauty, and Evolving Perspectives
• 25:12 Three Takeaways

Episode References:

• Stefan Sagmeister | Online Portfolio
• Stefan Sagmeister | Instagram
• Rei Inamoto | Instagram
• Rei Inamoto | X
• I&CO | Corporate Site

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