Paula Scher

Paula Scher, a powerhouse graphic designer and partner at Pentagram, shares her journey from CBS Records in the '70s to collaborating with major brands. She discusses the evolution of branding versus advertising, highlighting the importance of artistic integrity. Scher opens up about her creative process behind album covers, reflecting on the influence of iconic figures like Andy Warhol. She also explores the challenges of refreshing established brands, offering valuable insights into the nuances of effective design in a digital age.

Aarron first met Paula Scher as a grad student in Philadelphia. He worked at the Temple University gallery and was hanging an exhibition of her posters when they first spoke about her work. He didn’t know at the time how significant her influence on graphic design was, but her work made an impression on him.Paula’s work and kinetic typography sits in the canon of graphic design history. Described as the “master conjurer of the instantly familiar,” Scher straddles the line between pop culture and fine art in her work.She’s been a partner at Pentagram since 1991 where she has led the redesign of numerous major brands including Citi and Tiffany & Co.One other fun story from the show…we learn the real backstory behind the Citibank logo that Paula created, and the story isn’t the same one you’ll find if you Google it.This is the second episode of our series on design history, to be followed by interviews with legendary designers like Jonathan Hoefler, design curators like Paola Antonelli, and design historians like Barry Katz.After the interview, stay tuned for another special conversation with Heath Ceramics, which was founded by Edith Heath in the 1940s and played a major role in defining the mid-century modern aesthetic.Learn about the origins of Heath Ceramics and bring the history home with a special discount that we'll share at the end of the conversation.Heath Ceramics is one of our sponsors for this series on design history. Bring Heath home and take 15% off your online order using code “DesignBetter” between now and October 31st.Heath Ceramics is one of our sponsors for this series on design history. Bring Heath home and take 15% off your online order using code “DesignBetter” between now and October 31st.***Visiting the links below is one of the best ways to support our show:Heath Ceramics: We love Heath Ceramics. They're the types of objects you pass on from generation to generation, the kind of gift you bring to a wedding, or the dishes that you'd want to put on a beautiful Thanksgiving table. You can support our show, bring Heath home and take 15% off your online order using code “DesignBetter” between now and October 31st: dbtr.co/heathceramicsAmerican Giant: Makers of the best hoodie on the planet, their clothing is American-made, ethically produced, and built to last. What more could you ask for? Save 20% off your first order with American Giant using our promo code DESIGNBETTER at checkout. dbtr.co/americangiantMethodical Coffee: Roasted, blended, brewed, served and perfected by verified coffee nerds 🤓 : https://methodicalcoffee.com (use code "designbetter" for 10% off of your order).Brain.fm: Music scientifically proven to increase focus. We use it to focus on important work, tap into our creativity, and wind down at night when we need to rest. As a Design Better subscriber, you can take 30% off of your subscription: https://www.brain.fm/designbetterFreehand by InVision: The intelligent whiteboard that's half the price of Miro and Mural: https://freehandapp.com***Help us make the show even better by taking a short survey: www.dbtr.co/surveyIf you're interested in sponsoring the show, please contact us at: sponsors@thecuriositydepartment.comIf you'd like to submit a guest idea, please contact us at: contact@thecuriositydepartment.com

In this discussion, Paula Scher, a legendary graphic designer known for her work on Shake Shack, joins Arjen Klinkenberg, the creative force behind Tony’s Chocolonely’s distinctive wrappers. They dive into the power of food branding and the emotional connections it fosters. Scher reveals the elements that create a lasting visual identity, while Klinkenberg shares insights on the quick design process behind his iconic packaging. Together, they explore the balance between artistic freedom and commercial demands, emphasizing the importance of strong branding that endures.

Design royalty Paula Scher, Emily Oberman and Michael Bierut celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pentagram. They discuss the unique structure and success of Pentagram, the power of a strong work culture, the partner-owned business model, competition and inspiration in the industry, the adoption of successful systems, and the unique culture and identity of Pentagram.

In this captivating conversation, Paula Scher, a celebrated graphic designer and Pentagram partner, shares her remarkable journey in the world of design. She reflects on her early artistic aspirations, the role of luck in her success, and the evolution of design careers. Scher discusses navigating challenges in the male-dominated industry and the impact of age on creativity. Her passion for large-scale maps and tackling complex government projects showcases her innovative approach, blending artistry with practicality in design.