United States
• 1929
Biography
Milton Glaser (1929–2020) was one of the most influential graphic designers of the 20th century, renowned for having shaped modern visual identity. He is best known for creating the iconic “I ♥ NY" logo and the psychedelic Bob Dylan poster in 1966. Born in the Bronx, New York, Glaser studied at the High School of Music & Art and later at Cooper Union, graduating in 1951. With a Fulbright scholarship, he continued his education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, studying under the painter Giorgio Morandi.
In 1954, he co-founded Push Pin Studios with Seymour Chwast, Reynold Ruffins, and Edward Sorel. This collective transformed American graphic design by rejecting rigid modernist principles in favor of historical references and rich visual storytelling. In 1968, he co-launched New York magazine with Clay Felker and served as its art director until 1977. In 1974, he established Milton Glaser, Inc. in Manhattan.
Glaser's distinctive style is characterized by vibrant colors, inventive typography, and expressive forms, influenced by Art Nouveau, Surrealism, and the Polish poster school. He created iconic logos for DC Comics, Brooklyn Brewery, and Stony Brook University, and designed several famous typefaces, including Baby Teeth and Glaser Stencil.
In 2009, he became the first graphic designer to receive the National Medal of Arts, awarded by President Barack Obama. He also received honors from the Society of Illustrators and the Savignac Prize for best poster design. His work has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. In 2023, the School of Visual Arts in New York presented a posthumous exhibition titled “Milton Glaser: POP".
Milton Glaser passed away on June 26, 2020, on his 91st birthday. His legacy continues to inspire graphic designers around the world with a visual language that blends creativity, cultural relevance, and public accessibility.
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What is Milton Glaser best known for?
Milton Glaser is best known for designing the iconic "I 'heart' NY" logo and the psychedelic Bob Dylan poster. He was a pioneering graphic designer who shaped visual culture in the 20th century.
Who designed the i "heart" ny logo?
The "I 'heart' NY" logo was designed by graphic designer Milton Glaser in 1977. He created it as part of a campaign to promote tourism in New York City.
What was Milton Glaser's famous quote?
Milton Glaser’s famous quote is “There are three responses to a piece of design – yes, no, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for.” This phrase encapsulates his philosophy on impactful and memorable art.
What is Milton Glaser's design style?
Milton Glaser's design style is characterized by bold colors, simple shapes, and expressive typography. He often blended pop art influences with a playful, human touch, as seen in his iconic "I ♥ NY" logo and psychedelic posters.