Thoughts on Design
Interview with a Portfolio Center Student
This interview, conducted via fax, is a fun example of Rand's pure modernism—his short, witty answers to probing questions.
Q: How did you become a designer (more specifically on your path to becoming a designer what happened that you might consider unusual, out of the norm, that has had an influence on how you design today)?
A: An act of God.
Q: How do you define graphic design today?
A: The realization of a visual idea.
Q: What might you suggest to a young designer just beginning a career, or one who is still in school, soon to be starting out?
A: Work hard and read about aesthetics.
Q: Tell me who are you influences coming into this business. Also, are they still mentors or influences?
A: Everybody.
Q: If you could read your obituary in some future time, what do you think it might say? What do you want it to say?
A: RIP
Q: Did you have any art school training?
A: Yes.
Q: How has your work changed since you began?
A: Very little.
Q: What do you think of the influence of electronic technologies?
A: None.
Q: What's your favorite ice cream?
A: Chocolate.
Q: If you were to start all over again today, is there anything you'd do differently?
A: No.
Q: What did you always want to be when you grew up?
A: An artist.
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
A: Work.
Q: What's a project you would absolutely love to do? Are you working on any special projects right now?
A: Nothing special. Yes.
Q: What would you want from me if I came to you looking for a job?
A: To be truthful and helpful.
Q: Where do you turn for your inspiration? (outside of design)
A: Life.
Q: Who or what have you learned the most from in your life?
A: Too many to enumerate.
Q: What is the difference between art and design? What do you see as the difference the practice of graphic designer and the art director?
A: No difference. The graphic designer does the work.
Q: What do you think of the "new revolution" in type design, or do you think it is even revolutionary?
A: Nothing.
Q: If you had to pick one alphabet to use for the rest of your career, what would it be? Why?
A: Janson/Because it's great!
Q: In looking forward, what would you do that you possibly haven't done?
A: Nothing.
PR/Del 26,95
Originally faxed October 26, 1995
Portfolio Center is an art and design school located in Atlanta, GA.
- Integrity and Invention
Graphis Annual, 1971 - A Selection of Quotes
Various resources - Interview with a Portfolio Center Student
A witty interview conducted via fax. - The Politics of Design
Originally published in “A Designer’s Art”. - Logos, Flags, and Escutcheons
AIGA
by Paul Rand - Induction to the One Club Hall Of Fame
Paul Rand inducted to the One Club's Hall of Fame - The Case for the Ampersand
A critical review of Eric Gill’s “An Essay on Typography” - Confusion and Chaos: The Seduction of Contemporary Graphic Design
AIGA
by Paul Rand - Paul Rand on the Play Instinct
Steven Heller interview Paul Rand about ‘Play’ and its role in design. - 18th International Poster and Graphic Design Festival of Chaumont
Paul Rand at Les Silos - Catalog Covers of UCLA Extension
Masters of Graphic Design - Suggested Readings
A list of books for further reading on art, philosphy, design and more.
More Articles
Historical Timeline
Follow Rand's life and career as he creates design history.
Contact us with a story, quote, visual or other Rand related item to add to the site.
Thoughts on DesignMemorable quotes and articles that will inspire and enlighten.
GalleryView the work.
