Steven Heller

Steven Heller, an influential art director and cultural critic, and Nicolas Heller, an acclaimed commercial director known as New York Nico, discuss their careers, love for New York City, and shared experiences. They explore the city's influence, dreams of filmmaking, attracting outlandish events, and pride in each other's work.

Steven Heller, legendary writer and author, shares entertaining stories about his coming-of-age in New York's youth culture. Topics include involvement in the hippie porn industry, unconventional parenting choices, writing a memoir, finding solace through reading Russian literature, and the creation and downfall of the New York Review of Sex.

In this conversation with Steven Heller, a legendary design writer and historian, listeners explore his unconventional journey from underground newspapers to a prolific publishing career. Heller argues that many publications don’t require graphic design critics, viewing design primarily as a service industry. He shares insights into his writing process, emphasizing the importance of imagery and audience adaptation, while reflecting on the generational shifts in visual culture. Heller also discusses the need for daily writing discipline and his passion for fostering design discourse.