Entrepreneurs, designers and thinkers can always use some inspiration to create innovative ideas. As a graphic designer, I often look to the pioneers of my field for ideas on creative problem-solving. Each of these figures offers important lessons not just in design, but also in innovation that can apply to anyone working on new methods, products or experiences. See my article at Success Magazine for lessons in innovation from Saul Bass, Milton Glaser, John Maeda and more.
Author Archives: thinkstudio
Influencers
Check out my latest post at AIGA and find out who influences icons (and future icons) like John Maeda, David Airey, George Lois, Jan Wilker, and Paula Scher. Who are your influences?
Keys to a Successful Logo
Starting your own business or considering rebranding? Entrepreneur has a quick read on the must-haves. See what else is important besides simplicity and brand consistency. My favorite part? “You should still consult a professional designer. Your logo is the foundation for all your promotional materials, so this is one area where spending a little more now really pays off later.”
Font Sunday
Typography fans: I’m hosting Font Sunday for London’s Design Museum on twitter Feb. 21. The theme is international type, so join in and post your non-English type & use the hashtag #FontSunday.
Best of 2014
Fast Company’s Co.Design gave me 2 great honors. They named Graphic Icons one of The Best Design Books of 2014 (which also includes greats like Paul Rand and Abbott Miller), writing “In this crucial book for any design lover, Clifford takes readers on a history tour illustrated with the work of the world’s most famous graphic designers.” They also include my work among The Most Important Design Lessons of 2014 and write “John Clifford takes a spin through history to show how yesterday’s design pioneers have influenced, and continue to inspire, today’s designers.” It’s a thrill. Thank you, Fast Company!
Holiday Design
For some fun holiday design inspiration, check out #12DaysOfDesigners on twitter. I’m posting a different holiday piece by an iconic designer (Herbert Bayer, Milton Glaser, Alex Steinweiss, + more) each day through the season. I’ll also post them all on the Graphic Icons book site. Happy holidays!
Favorite Typeface
What’s your favorite typeface? Read about mine and those of other designers at Los Angeles’s Type Ed.
AIGA DC Design Week
I’ll be speaking at AIGA DC on October 21 as part of their Design Week. AIGA is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and the DC chapter is celebrating its 30th, so it’s a perfect time to discuss Lessons from the Design Icons, wisdom on design, creativity, work and life I learned from the legendary designers profiled in my book. Register online, and check out the Q&A I did with AIGA’s Scott Kirkwood. Hope to see you there!
Digital Design Icons
The designers who designed not only on the screen, but for the screen, ushered in a new era of digital design, mixing media and incorporating motion, sound and interactivity. Read my post about pioneers such as Wim Crouwel, April Greiman, and John Maeda at Smashing Magazine.
Switching Gears at 99U
Are you stuck in a rut? Maybe it’s time to change course, as design legends like Stefan Sagmeister and Muriel Cooper have done. Read my latest post at 99U.
