Paula Scher

Early Life and Education

Paula Scher, born on October 6, 1948, in Washington, D.C., is a renowned American graphic designer, painter, and art educator. She grew up in a family that valued creativity and the arts, which significantly influenced her career path. Scher attended the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1970. Her education at Tyler provided her with a solid foundation in design principles and practices, which she would later build upon in her professional career.

Career Beginnings

After graduating, Scher moved to New York City and began her career as a layout artist for Random House's children's book division. In 1972, she joined CBS Records as an art director, where she was responsible for designing album covers. During her time at CBS, Scher developed a distinctive style characterized by bold typography and vibrant colors. Her work on album covers for artists such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen garnered significant attention and established her reputation in the design community.

Pentagram and Professional Growth

In 1991, Paula Scher joined Pentagram, one of the world's most prestigious design firms, as a partner. At Pentagram, Scher worked on a wide range of projects, including branding, environmental graphics, and packaging design. Her clients included major corporations, cultural institutions, and non-profit organizations. Scher's work at Pentagram is noted for its conceptual clarity, visual impact, and innovative use of typography.

Paula Scher's design work, showcasing bold typography and vibrant colors.

Paula Scher's design work, showcasing bold typography and vibrant colors.

Notable Projects

Public Theater Rebranding

One of Scher's most acclaimed projects is the rebranding of the Public Theater in New York City. In 1994, she created a new visual identity for the theater that utilized bold typography and a dynamic, flexible design system. The rebranding helped to increase the theater's visibility and attract a broader audience. Scher's work for the Public Theater is considered a landmark in the field of graphic design and has been widely studied and emulated.

Windows 8

In 2012, Scher was commissioned by Microsoft to design the logo for Windows 8. The project required a departure from the previous versions' design language, moving towards a more modern and minimalist aesthetic. Scher's design featured a clean, geometric look that aligned with the new operating system's user interface. The Windows 8 logo was part of a broader effort to rebrand Microsoft's products and services.

Teaching and Influence

Paula Scher has also made significant contributions to design education. She has taught at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and has been a guest lecturer at various institutions worldwide. Scher's teaching emphasizes the importance of conceptual thinking, experimentation, and the role of design in society. Her influence extends beyond her students, as her work and ideas have been widely disseminated through publications, exhibitions, and conferences.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Paula Scher has received numerous awards and honors. She is a member of the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame and the Alliance Graphique Internationale. In 2001, she was awarded the AIGA Medal, the highest honor in the field of graphic design, in recognition of her contributions to the profession. Scher's work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.

Personal Life

Paula Scher is married to Seymour Chwast, a fellow graphic designer and co-founder of the Push Pin Studios. The couple resides in New York City, where they continue to work on various design projects. Scher's personal interests include painting and fine arts, and she often incorporates these elements into her design work.

Legacy

Paula Scher's impact on the field of graphic design is profound. Her innovative use of typography, bold visual style, and conceptual approach have influenced generations of designers. Scher's work continues to be studied and admired for its creativity, clarity, and effectiveness. As a designer, educator, and thought leader, she has left an indelible mark on the profession.

See Also

• Graphic Design
• Typography
• Branding
• Environmental Graphics
• Art Education

References

• Heller, Steven. "Paula Scher: The Art of Design." Design Observer, 2016.
• Bierut, Michael. "How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things, Explain Things, Make Things Look Better, Make People Laugh, Make People Cry, and (Every Once in a While) Change the World." Harper Design, 2015.
• Scher, Paula. "Make It Bigger." Princeton Architectural Press, 2002.