Quick Design History: Paula Scher #ThrowbackThursday

Paula Scher (b. 1948)

Paula Scher is a living legend of American graphic design. She’s famous for a wide variety of work—from rock and roll album covers to corporate identities to incredible artistic works.

Born in Washington, DC, Scher studied at the Tyler School of Art in Pennsylvania and kickstarted her graphic design career as a record cover art director during the 1970s. She ran her own design firm for a number of years but eventually moved to Pentagram during the 1990s, where she made history as the first female principal.

There’s no doubt you know at least one of her creations. Scher’s client list includes Coca-Cola, Perry Ellis, the Met, Microsoft, The New York City Ballet, Citibank, The New York Philharmonic and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

I was first exposed to Scher’s work before I even knew what graphic design was. At age nine I took tap dancing classes and was obsessed with Bring in ‘Da Noise Bring in ‘Da Funk. Scher was the creative genius behind the instantly-recognisable and visually electric posters for the Broadway spectacular.

These posters were an extension of the identity she designed for The Public Theater, first created in 1994. It won the coveted Beacon Award for integrated corporate design strategy.

Scher has a long list of achievements and honours under her belt including the National Design Award, an AIGA Medal, a Type Director Club Medal, and is honoured as a member of the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame.

Apart from her design achievements, Scher is also known as a talented fine artist. You can find her work in exhibits all over the world including New York, Denver, Germany and France. She creates microscopically detailed map paintings that bring to life many stories and meanings of the place.

Want to learn more about Paula Scher? #shillosyd graduate Johanna Scott interviewed her for Make Do Co.’s “People of Purpose” podcast. Have a listen! And click here to watch dozens of videos featuring Scher’s work and philosophy.

What can you look forward to for next week’s #tbt? We’re taking a closer look at a logo famous for its clever use of negative space.