Thoughts on Design

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

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”.
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.
A Selection of Quotes
Great quotes from various resources.
Suggested Readings
A list of books for further reading on art, philosphy, design and more.

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.

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.

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.