Paul Rand, one the most renowned corporate logo designers, started from modest beginnings. He began working part-time creating stock images that were used in various media sources. Rand’s original style and dynamic design layouts laid the foundation for universal recognition of his talent in this early part of his career. He worked out of a basis of simplicity and symbolism when formulating his designs. Rand was also a pivotal member in establishing the groundwork of the Swiss International Style. Humor also often found its way into Rand’s work. He said of his own work that the use of humor in his designs was not conscious, but that he ended up going that way naturally in his projects.
Where Rand’s beginning work set him up for success in the graphic design field, his later work would permanently etch his name to logo design forever. Beginning in the 1950’s Paul Rand began to accumulate a corporate cliental that included major business giants including IBM, ABC, United Parcel Service, and Westinghouse. The designs that he set forth for these companies were so socially groundbreaking that they have survived to the modern day, maintaining each company’s identity in the eyes of the public for decades.
Examples of Paul Rand's work:
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