Thoughts on Design

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

Articles by Paul Rand

Interviews with Paul Rand

Videos

Events & Exhibitions

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”.
- 1987- Observations on Intuition
  Originally published in the "STA Design Journal".
- 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.
- 1996 - Language of Art
  An addendum article to Lascaux to Brooklyn. Contributed by John Maeda.
- 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.
- SVA Exhibit Announcement
  3 pictures of the invitation to an exhibit of Rand's work at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
- 2011 - bRANDs: The Early Years
  This exhibition features trademarks, character-marks, print advertising, P.O.P, packaging and signage from 18 of Rand's brands.