The nature of history is that it is never “completeâ€, new information is gained every day that changes our understanding an interpretations of history. The mission of Incomplete Design History is to explore areas of graphic design history that are overlooked or ignored; to expand our knowledge in the field and to include all sides of the story. Incomplete design history seeks to be inclusive, inclusive not only of people but of ideas and technologies that advance the field of graphic design. History is messy. History is incomplete.
An indigenous artist from Oklahoma, Alex C. Mackintosh was born in 1907 with Creek and Scottish ancestry. He attended the Chilocco federal Boarding school for Native Americans in Newkirk Oklahoma, it was there that he took on the name Acee Blue Eagle to honor his heritage. The name “Blue Eagle” was reportedly from his mother's family; this matrilineal approach to last names is traditional and accepted in many indigenous cultures. After graduating from Chilocco he would go on to attend the Bacone Indian College and from there he was accepted to study art at the University of Oklahoma, where a special program had been founded to foster Native American art. Acee Blue Eagle would go on to exhibit his art with a prominent group of artists from this program known today as the Kiowa Six, though Acee himself was not Kiowa he was an informal member of this group. Acee Blue Eagle established himself not only as a well-known artist but also as a performer. He exhibited work across the U.S. and Europe. His work was purchased by many museums and foreign dignitaries. He was also a mural painter for the WPA program and painted several murals in Oklahoma. Towards the end of his life and career, he began experimenting with printing techniques and design work including designing a set of souvenir glasses for Knox Oil, and a line of greeting cards. He illustrated books as well, even writing a few of his own, including one on Oklahoma Indian Painting and Poetry that was published the year he passed away. To the very end, Acee was an ardent supporter of Oklahoma Indian artists and traditions.TIMELINE1907 – b Oklahoma, as Alex C. MacIntosh1928 – Graduated from Bacone Indian College in Muskogee1931-1932 – Attended University of Oklahoma to study art under Oscar Jacobson1932 – Wrote and illustrated Echogee: The Little Blue Deer, a children's book with full-color Illustrations1934 – First public commissions for murals through the WPA1934 – Paints murals in Mitchell Hall Theater on the UCO Campus1935 – Travels to Oxford University to lecture on Native American Art1935 – Accepts a teaching position at Bacone as the founding director of the new Art Department1938 – Leaves his position at Bacone to practice art full-time1950 – UCO theater murals are painted over in an effort to redecorate1954 – begins exploring a career as a commercial artist including creating a line of greeting cards1956 – Illustrates Mae Abbott's book Oklahoma: Indian Cook Book1959 – Writes and publishes Oklahoma Indian Painting–Poetry1959 – died penniless in a veterans hospital in Muskogee of liver failure, at 521971 – Echogee: The Little Blue Deer is finally publishedREFERENCESAcee Blue Eagle, Oklahoma Indian Painting–Poetry (Tulsa, Okla.: Acorn Publishing Co., 1959).Abbott, M. W. (1956). Oklahoma Indian cook book, the best Indian recipes from the best Indian state / y Mae Abbott. (1st ed.). Acorn Printing.American Social History Project / Center for Media and Learning. (n.d.). “Kill the Indian, and Save the Man”: Capt. Richard H. Pratt on the Education of Native Americans. History Matters, The US Survey Course on the Web. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/4929Anthes, B. (2014). Why Injun Artist Me. In Native Diasporas (p. 411). UNP - Nebraska Paperback.Blue Eagle, A. (1971). Echogee : The little blue deer (Second ed.).Blue Eagle, A., & University of Central Oklahoma. Library. Special Collections/Archives. (1959). Oklahoma Indian painting - poetry. Tulsa, Okla.: Acorn Publishing.Broder, P. (1981). American Indian Painting and Sculpture. Abbeville Press.Edmon Low Library. (n.d.). Chilocco Indian Agricultural School Collection. Oklahoma State University Library. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://library.okstate.edu/search-and-find/collections/digital-collections/chilocco-indian-agricultural-school-photo-collection/Elder, T. (2006). Lumhee Holot-Tee : The art and life of Acee Blue Eagle.Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. (n.d.). Kiowa Agency: Stories of the Six. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, The University of Oklahoma. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://www.ou.edu/fjjma/exhibitions1/past-exhibitions/2020-/KiowaAgencyKelly, M. (1991). Acee Blue Eagle Glasses. Promotional Glass Collectors Association. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from http://www.pgcaglassclub.com/articles_archives/acee.htmLee, R. (1995, November 3). Knox Oil Co. Offered Glasses. The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1995/11/03/knox-oil-co-offered-glasses/62374538007/Lester, P. (1995). The Biographical Directory of Native American Painters. SIR Publications.Miner, J. (2018). Remediating the "famous indian artist": Native aesthetics beyond tourism and tragedy. Studies in American Indian Literatures, 30(2), 79-105. https://libproxy.uco.edu/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.libproxy.uco.edu/scholarly-journals/remediating-famous-indian-artist-native/docview/2063292811/se-2?accountid=14516Neuman, L.. (2014). Marketing Culture. In Indian Play. University of Nebraska Press - Nebraska.Official Report of the Nineteenth Annual Conference of Charities and Correction (1892), 46–59. Reprinted in Richard H. Pratt, “The Advantages of Mingling Indians with Whites,” Americanizing the American Indians: Writings by the “Friends of the Indian” 1880–1900 (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1973), 260–271.Petete, T., & Womack, C. (2006). Thomas E. Moore's Sour Sofkee in the Tradition of Muskogee Dialect Writers. Studies in American Indian Literatures, 18(4), series 2, 1-37. Retrieved June 15, 2021, fromSnodgrass, J. (1968). American Indian Painters: A Biographical Directory. The Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation.Tsianina Lomawaima, K. (n.d.). Chilocco Indian Agricultural School. Oklahoma Historical Society. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=ch042Zinn, H. (2003). A People's History of the United States. Harper Collins. New York.
Eiko Ishioka was a graphic, costume, and set designer. She was born July 12, 1938 in Tokyo, Japan. Growing up, her life always fused western and Japanese culture. She graduated from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music in 1960 and immediately started working for the largest cosmetic company in Japan, Shiseido. There she revolutionized the poster with her bold use of diverse models and progressive feminist messages that defied tradition. Ishioka later worked as a creative director for the department store Parco, producing iconic posters and television ads that broke with tradition and showed no products. In 1983, Ishioka left Parco and opened her own design studio. Once in her own practice, Eiko experimented more and more with surrealism as she moved into designing sets and costumes for film and theater. She won awards for her work on Mishima (1985) and Madame Butterfly (1988). Ishioka would go on to win the 1993 Academy Award for Best Costume Design (along with multiple other awards) for her incredible costume designs for Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 film adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula. It was Ishioka's life work to push up against tradition. The result is a stunning body of work worthy of inclusion in the design history canon.TIMELINE1938 – b. Tokyo, Japan1961 – graduated Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music1970 – founded own firm1970 – ūman ribu movement1980 – moved to New York1983 – published her own book Eiko by Eiko1985 – Equal Opportunity Law passed in Japan; Mishima releases featuring set designs from Ishioka, for which she wins the Award for Artistic Contribution at the 1985 Cannes Film Festival.1992 – Bram Stoker's Dracula1993 – Ishioka's costume designs on Dracula win her the Academy Award for Best Costume Design2002 – Designs sports uniforms for the 2002 Olympics2008 – Designs the opening ceremony costume designs for the Beijing Olympics 2010 – Costume Designs for Broadway Musical, “Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark”2012 – d. Age 73 in Tokyo, Japan from pancreatic cancerREFERENCESAssociated Press. (2012, January 26). Costume designer Eiko Ishioka, recently known for Broadway's “Spider-Man,” has died at 73. Washington Post. https://web.archive.org/web/20120205143125/http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater-dance/costume-designer-eiko-ishioka-recently-known-for-broadways-spider-man-has-died-at-73/2012/01/26/gIQAyZhgTQ_story.htmlDalí Paris. (n.d). Dalí and fashion. Dalí Paris. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.daliparis.com/en/salvador-dali-en/dali-fashion/Edwards, L. N. (1988). Equal Employment Opportunity in Japan: A View from the West. ILR Review, 41(2), 240–250. https://doi.org/10.1177/001979398804100206Eiko Ishioka. (1992). ADC Global. http://adcglobal.org/hall-of-fame/eiko-ishioka/Eiko Ishioka. (n.d.). A SEARCH HISTORY. https://asearchhistory.weebly.com/eiko-ishioka.htmlFox, M. (1984, March 1). An Interview with Eiko Ishioka, by Ingrid Sischy. Artforum International. https://www.artforum.com/print/198403/an-interview-with-eiko-ishioka-by-ingrid-sischy-35403Fox, M. (2012, January 27). Eiko Ishioka, Costumer of the Surreal, Dies at 73. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/27/arts/design/eiko-ishioka-designer-dies-at-73.htmlFusek, A. P. (2021, February 27). The Feminist Movement in Japan: WWII to the 1970s. Unseen Japan. https://unseenjapan.com/feminist-movement-japan-wwii-1970s/Goodall, H. (2013, January 3). Origins and influence of surrealism in Japanese art. Unframed. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://unframed.lacma.org/2013/01/03/origins-and-influence-of-surrealism-in-japanese-artGraphic Liberation of Gender: Eiko Ishioka Poster ExhibitionThe Japan Foundation, Toronto. (2017, September 6). Japan Foundation. https://jftor.org/event/eiko-ishioka-poster-exhibition/2017-09-06/Haley, M. (n.d.). Sneak Peek: Eiko Ishioka Papers at UCLA Library Special Collections. LA Collective. https://laacollective.org/work/eiko-ishiokaHooks, R. (2018). Surrealism in graphic design. 99designs. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://99designs.com/blog/design-history-movements/surreal-graphic-design/ITSLIQUID. (2020, December 18). Eiko Ishioka: Blood, Sweat, and Tears. https://www.itsliquid.com/eikoishioka-bloodsweatandtears.htmlJapanese Pickers. (2017, January 6). 1990 Print Available [Facebook Post]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/unsupportedbrowserK. (2020, February 10). Shibuya PARCO - Interactive Shopping, Art, And Hands-On Technology. Matcha - Japan Travel Web Magazine. https://matcha-jp.com/en/9390Lorde Velho. (2020, July 23). The Costumes Are the Sets - The Design of Eiko Ishioka (Legendado PTBR) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TFCNCt-gUkMolony, B. (2000). Women's Rights, Feminism, and Suffragism in Japan, 1870-1925. Pacific Historical Review, 69(4), 639-661. doi:10.2307/3641228Parsons, K. (2019, July 22). THE THEATER. VERY PARCO. | Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. https://www.cooperhewitt.org/2018/03/17/the-theater-very-parco-2/Pola Museum of Art. (2019). Surrealist painting: Influences and iterations in Japan. Pola Museum of Art. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.polamuseum.or.jp/english/exhibition/20191215s01/Sayej, N. (2018, January 16). 7 designers keeping the art of surrealism alive today. Print Mag. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.printmag.com/post/7-designers-keeping-surrealism-aliveSchenker, M. (2018, October 25). Design trend report: Surrealism. Creative Market. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://creativemarket.com/blog/design-trend-report-surrealismStech, A. (2019, October 4). How 1920s surrealism impacted modern design. Wallpaper. Retrieved from 25 May 2021 from https://www.wallpaper.com/design/surrealism-and-design-vitra-design-museum-exhibitionSurreal Costumes by Legendary Designer Eiko Ishioka. (2019, June 4). Juxtapoz: Art and Culture. https://www.juxtapoz.com/news/design/surreal-costumes-by-legendary-designer-eiko-ishioka/Takeuchi-Demirci, A. (2010). Birth Control and Socialism: The Frustration of Margaret Sanger and Ishimoto Shizue's Mission. The Journal of American-East Asian Relations, 17(3), 257-280. Retrieved April 28, 2021, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/23613288The Academy. (2018, March 30). How Eiko Ishioka's revolutionary costumes won Coppola's “Dracula” an Oscar. Medium. https://medium.com/art-science/how-francis-ford-coppola-s-choice-to-work-with-a-weirdo-outsider-led-to-an-oscar-dd22bdf51e2aTimes, T. N. Y. (1973, December 8). Japan Braces for a Full‐Scale Oil Crisis. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1973/12/08/archives/japan-braces-for-a-fullscale-oil-crisis-japan-whose-busy-economy.htmlTimes, T. N. Y. (1983, March 27). CHANGING FACE OF JAPAN. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/27/magazine/changing-face-of-japan.htmlVitra Design Museum. (2019). Objects of desire: Surrealism and design 1924 - today. Vitra Design Museum. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.design-museum.de/en/exhibitions/detailpages/objects-of-desire-surrealism-and-design.html?desktop=318&cHash=c626c20211a0d1333a9393761a0ffc40Wang, M. (2017, March 8). _What's PARCO?_JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine. https://japan-magazine.jnto.go.jp/en/special_parco.htmlWood, G. (2007). Surrealism and design. V&A. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/surrealism-and-design
Margo Chase became a graphic designer almost by accident. In college, Chase was determined to become a veterinarian and in an attempt to get a higher GPA, signed up for a graphic design course. She discovered her love of solving problems creatively and attempted to combine her two loves of science and design by getting a masters degree in medical illustration. Chase realized she wouldn't have the creative freedom she wanted and dropped out of school to become a full time designer. Some of her first jobs were designing album covers and typefaces for Geffen Records, Columbia, Warner Brothers, and Capitol Records. She worked on album typography for Madonna, Prince, Cher, Bonnie Raitt, and Selena, even winning a Grammy for her work on Cher's album Love Hurts. Her bold, goth calligraphic style got her noticed as the queen of goth, and she was hired to design logos for shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel as well as for Francis Ford Coppola's film Dracula. Chase's reputation got the best of her. She wanted to break away from the entertainment industry and the ‘Queen of Goth' label. She and her team began branding for corporate businesses such as Target, and did package designs for Califia Farms, KIND, Chinese Laundry, Kama Sutra, and Campbell Soup Co. Margo Chase pushed the boundaries of what a designer could do, and always made it her mission to create the best work she could to put out into the world. TIMELINE1958 – b Los Angeles, California1986 – opened her own studio, Chase Design Group1991 – designed Bonnie Raitt's record cover, “Luck of the Draw.”1992 – Victory Records Ten Inch Men's “Pretty Vultures” cover1998 – created typefaces for projects such as Evolution and Shiraz2007 – became an aerobatic pilot2017 – d Apple Valley, CaliforniaREFERENCESCampbell-Dollaghan, K. (2018a, July 9). Club Culture, And The Design It Inspired, Finally Gets A Visual History. Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/90160778/club-culture-and-the-design-it-inspired-gets-a-monograph?_ga=2.85689049.174350571.1615070439-607903494.1615070439Campbell-Dollaghan, K. (2018b, July 9). How punk rock changed the course of design history. Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/90175535/the-secret-history-of-design-and-punkChase Design Group. (n.d.). Our Founder. https://www.chasedesigngroup.com/culture/our-founder/Deseo, J. (2014, October 2). Spotlight: Chase Design Group. Dieline - Design, Branding & Packaging Inspiration. https://thedieline.com/blog/2014/9/24/spotlight-chase-design-group?Devroye, L. (n.d.). Margo Chase Design (was: Gravy Designs). Luc Devroye. http://luc.devroye.org/fonts-24739.htmlFriel, K. (2019, April 25). A Timeline of Margo Chase. Issuu. https://issuu.com/mecagd/docs/mc_bookGoodwin, T. (2013, April 5). How Culture Has Influenced Design: BoldThink Creative & Marketing. Boldthink | Marketing & Branding Agency | Website Design | Indianapolis. https://boldthinkcreative.com/culturedesign/Goolsby, C. (2019, May 29). What Rock 'N' Roll Taught Margo Chase About Packaging. Packaging Strategies. https://www.packagingstrategies.com/articles/94598-what-rock-n-roll-taught-margo-chase-about-packagingGosling, E. (2016a, August 24). What Rave Culture Is Teaching Modern Graphic Designers. AIGA Eye on Design. https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/what-rave-culture-is-teaching-modern-graphic-designers/Gosling, E. (2016b, November 3). The Design + Music Industries are BFFs—They Just Don't Know it Yet. AIGA Eye on Design. https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/the-vital-links-between-the-design-music-industries-how-can-they-enhance-one-another/J. (2021, April 6). From the Misc. Foods Aisle: Generic Brands. Gone but Not Forgotten Groceries. http://gbnfgroceries.blogspot.com/2014/01/from-misc-foods-aisle-generic-brands.htmlLinderman, E. (2010, September 15). Gale Literature Resource Center - Document - Heller, Steven. Pop: How Graphic Design Shapes Popular Culture. Gale Literature Resource Center. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=LitRC&u=edmo56673&id=GALE|A238423770&v=2.1&it=r&sid=LitRC&asid=a4e33013Margo Chase on Failure. (2017, June 26). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6W4d5NIe24&feature=youtu.beSeymour, C. (2019, May 28). Ray Gun—The Magazine That Defined the Alt '90s—Lives Again. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/ray-gun-magazine-anthologySlangbusters Branding Studio. (2019, July 23). Is generic packaging the new brand? - The Slangbusters Blog. Medium. https://medium.com/slangbusters/is-generic-packaging-the-new-brand-c0672da16e94Waldbillig, L. (2021, April 6). Generic Products of The '80s. History's Dumpster. http://historysdumpster.blogspot.com/2012/08/generic-products-of-80s.html
Jacqueline Casey was born in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1927 and grew up with a passion for art. While her parents encouraged her to study bookkeeping, she pursued art against their wishes by entering the Massachusetts College of Art. It was at MassArt that Casey met and befriended Muriel Cooper. In 1949, Casey graduated from MassArt with a degree in fashion design and illustration. She entered the workforce which was very gradually becoming more accepting of women and worked in fashion design, advertising, and interior design. Except none of them felt quite right. Frustrated, Casey took three months to travel across Europe and clear her head. In 1955, Muriel Cooper hired Casey to work with her at MIT's Office of Publications. Casey would soon become responsible for posters, catalogs, and other promotional materials. In 1958, Casey worked with Thérèse Moll, an assistant to seminal Swiss designer Karl Gerstner. Moll introduced Casey to the International Typographic Style. Casey was later appointed director of the Office of Publications, and MIT's public image became recognizably influenced by the International Typographic Style. Under Casey's directorship, the MIT Office of Publications adapted ITS and went on to play a critical role in popularizing Swiss modernism across America.TIMELINE1927 – b Jacqueline Casey in Quincy, Massachusetts.1949 – Casey graduates from Massachusetts College of Art with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and a focus in design/illustration.1955 – Casey is hired by friend and fellow MassArt alumna Muriel Cooper to work at MIT's Office of Publications.1957 – Cooper leaves MIT and Jacqueline Casey takes on a larger, more active role within MIT's Office of Publications.1958 – Casey that summer works with Thérèse Moll, friend and assistant to famous Swiss designer Karl Gerstner. Moll introduces Jacqueline Casey to the International Typographic Style, which Casey adopts.1972 – Casey is appointed director of the Office of Publications at MIT and under her influence MIT's public image becomes recognizably influenced by the International Typographic Style. MIT goes on to influence American graphic design, spreading ITS and Swiss modernism across the country.1989 – Jacqueline Casey retires but continues to work with MIT as a visiting scholar.1992 – d Jacqueline Casey at age 65 in Brookline, Massachusetts from cancer.REFERENCES07. Jacqueline S. Casey. (n.d). History of Graphic Design. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://edpacheco16.wordpress.com/jacqueline-s-casey/Jacqueline Casey. (2021). San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.sfmoma.org/artist/jacqueline_casey/Jacqueline Casey. (n.d.). Cooper Hewitt. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/people/18053543/Jacqueline Casey. (n.d.). Designing women. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://designingwomen.readymag.com/profiles/jacqueline-casey/Jacqueline Casey. (n.d.). Rochester Institute of Technology. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.rit.edu/carycollection/jacqueline-caseyJacqueline Casey: A forgotten design hero. (2018, April 12). Documenting Design. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://wordpress91977.wordpress.com/2018/04/12/jacqueline-casey-a-forgotten-design-hero/Jacqueline Casey research. (n.d.). Jacqueline Casey Research. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://samsgraphicresearch.weebly.com/history.htmlReinfurt, D. (2017). Muriel Cooper. MIT Press.Resnick, E. (2008). Women at the edge of technology. Eye Magazine. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from http://www.eyemagazine.com/feature/article/woman-at-the-edge-of-technologyThe Humanistic Designer: Jacqueline Casey. (2016). Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://mit2016.mit.edu/campus-cambridge/century-employees/caseySherin, A. (2012, February 6). Casey, Jacqueline. In_ Grove Encyclopedia of Classical Art and Architecture_. https://doi.org/10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.T2021558
Bonnie Maclean's story has rather humble beginnings. She was largely a self taught artist and graphic designer. Originally from Philadelphia, she relocated to San Francisco in 1963, during a pivotal time in US history. Maclean started her career as an assistant to Bill Graham before he began working as a concert promoter for the Filmore. She would eventually take over as the in-house poster designer from Wes Wilson, who is often cited as a strong influence on MacLean's work. Her previous design experience included chalkboard announcements and evening lineups for the concert hall. Today her work for the Filmore is considered an important contribution to the psychedelic music scene of the 1960s. However, despite her contributions, the history of graphic design largely recognizes the “Big Five'' as the most important or iconic figures contributing to the music poster scene of this era. It shouldn't be surprising that the “Big Five'' doesn't include Maclean. However, her psychedelic posters for the Filmore have been collected and exhibited by museums and galleries and recognized for their impact on the music poster scene of 1960s San Francisco.TIMELINE1939 – b Philadelphia1961 – graduated from Penn State university with a degree in French1961 – Moved to New York city, took drawing classes at night at Pratt Institute where she was working1963 – Moved to San Francisco and began work with Bill Graham1967 – Married concert promoter Bill Graham1967 – Wes Wilson left the Filmore and Bonnie became the primary poster designer in his stead.1968 – gave birth to son David1975 – Divorced Bill Graham1981 – married second husband Jacques Fabert (artist)2005 – work was featured at the Tate Liverpool in a show called “The Summer of Love: Art of the Psychedelic era”2013 – Jacques Fabert dies2014 – headliner at the TRPS Festival of Rock Posters in San Francisco2015 – designs commemorative poster for Hall & Oates to mark the grand opening of the Philadelphia Fillmore 2020 – died in PennsylvaniaREFERENCESAnkeny, J. (ND). “Bonne Maclean”. All Music. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bonnie-maclean-mn0001841640/biography“Bonnie Maclean” (ND). Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. https://art.famsf.org/bonnie-macleanDoyle, M. (2002). “Staging the Revolution: Guerrilla Theater as a Countercultural Practice, 1965-1968”. The Digger Archives. https://www.diggers.org/guerrilla_theater.htmEsmaili, T. (June 2017). “Obscenity”. Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/obscenityGrushkin, P. (2015). The Art of Rock: Posters from Presley to Punk. Abbeville Press. Kamiya, G. (August 7, 2015). “How A Mime Troupe Arrest Sparked Bill Graham's Promoting Career”. The San Francisco Chronicle. https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/How-a-Mime-Troupe-arrest-sparked-Bill-Graham-s-6431937.phpMarks, B. (February 12, 2020). “Bonnie MacLean, 1939-2020”. TRPS (The Rock Poster Society).https://trps.org/2020/02/12/bonnie-maclean-1939-2020/Morley, M. (March 7, 2019) “The Cost of Free Love and the Designers Who Bore It—Meet the Women of Psychedelic Design”. AIGA Eye on Design. https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/women-of-psychedelic-design/Vaziri, A. (February 12, 2020). “Bonnie Maclean, pioneering rock poster artist and wife of Bill Graham, dies at 80“. Datebook, San Francisco Chronicle. https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/art-exhibits/bonnie-maclean-pioneering-rock-poster-artist-and-wife-of-bill-graham-dies-at-80
Ray Eames was a graphic designer and abstract artist at the height of the post war era. She studied abstract art with Hans Hoffman for six years before meeting and moving to California with her husband, Charles Eames, in 1941. Ray was not professionally trained as a designer but was deeply involved in the design process. She combined her abstract sensibilities with her interest in structure and form. The Eames are most well-known for developing molded plywood chairs and other furniture that blurred the line between playfulness and function. The Eames Office did more than just design furniture. They worked on ads, packaging, exhibition spaces, toys, and even films. The Eames Office was incredibly collaborative, and everyone at the office was involved in every project. As a result, Ray never claimed any design as her own. However, she was responsible for some textile designs and magazine cover illustrations for the Arts and Architecture publication. Ray was in her element when it came to color and arrangements. She arranged furniture exhibits for Herman Miller and designed the color schemes for her own home. It's not hyperbole to say the furniture and designs that came out of the Eames Office defined a generation and they have Ray's influence written all over them.TIMELINE1912 – b Sacramento, California1931 – May Friend Bennett School for Girls 1932 – mentor at Hans Hoffman studio for 6 years1940 – moved to Michigan, studied at Cranbrook Academy of Art1941 – married Charles Eames1943 – Eames office established1942-1947 – covers for Arts and Architecture magazine1946 – Ray Eames pattern designs made 1953 – Deborah Sussman hired at Eames office1957 – Day of the Dead film1959 – Moscow World's Fair2010 – Eames exhibit made by Deborah Sussman and Andrew ByromREFERENCESBanks, T. (2012, August 22). Addressing the need: The Graphic Design of the Eames Office. Design Week. https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/may-2012/addressing-the-need-the-graphic-design-of-the-eames-office/BBC The Genius Of Design 3 of 5 Blueprints For War 2010. (2011, October 21). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_0z1kvM6nsBrown, B. (2017, November 6). Celebrating Graphic Design Sorceress Deborah Sussman. Journal. https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/industry/deborah-sussman-dies-at-83/Butler, A. (2013, December 11). Deborah Sussman Interview. Designboom | Architecture & Design Magazine. https://www.designboom.com/design/deborah-sussman-interview-12-11-2013/Caduff, R. (Director). (2011) The Visual Language of Herbert Matter. [Film]. PiXiU FilmsCohn, J. & Jersey, B. (Directors). (2011) Eames: The Architect and the Painter. [Film]. Quest Productions. Bread & Butter Films. American Masters ProductionsEllison, K. (2018, March 10). The chromatic legacy of environmental designer Deborah Sussman. 99designs. https://99designs.com/blog/famous-design/environmental-design-deborah-sussman/Hans Hoffman. (n.d.). HANS HOFMANN. http://www.hanshofmann.org/1930-1939Ray Eames in World War II. (2019, September 27). Eames Office. https://www.eamesoffice.com/blog/ray-eames-in-world-war-2/4 films by Charles and Ray Eames. (2019, October 18). Eames Office. https://www.eamesoffice.com/the-work/4-films-by-charles-and-ray-eames/Day of The Dead. (2019, April 16). Eames Office. https://www.eamesoffice.com/the-work/day-of-the-dead-2/Dot Pattern.(2019, October 24). Eames Office. https://www.eamesoffice.com/the-work/dot-pattern-drawings/Eames in NYC.(2017, March 2). Ray (Kaiser) Eames Office. https://www.eamesoffice.com/the-work/ray-kaiser-eames-new-york-city/Ray's Arts & Architecture magazine covers. (2019, October 4). Eames Office. https://www.eamesoffice.com/the-work/rays-arts-architecture-magazine-covers/Kirkham, P. (2021). Ray Kaiser Eames. Pioneering Women of American Architecture. https://pioneeringwomen.bwaf.org/ray-kaiser-eames/Lawrence, S. (1985). Declaration of Function: Documents from the Museum of Modern Art's Design Crusade, 1933-1950. Design Issues, 2(1), 65-77. doi:10.2307/1511530McGuirk, J. (2020, September 23). There's no I in Eames. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2010/oct/26/eames-furniture-team-charles-rayNarkiewicz-Laine, C. (2020, June 1). The Good Design Awards. Good Design. https://www.good-designawards.com/news/2020/06/01/the-seventy-year-history-of-good-design%C2%AE/Neuhart, M., & Neuhart, J. (2010). The Story of Eames Furniture: The Early Years (Vol. 1). Gestalten Verlag, Berlin.Olsberg, N. (2017, November 27). Herbert Matter. Drawing Matter. https://drawingmatter.org/herbert-matter/Phaidon Editors. (2012). Eames graphic designs on show | design | Phaidon. Phaidon. https://www.phaidon.com/agenda/design/articles/2012/august/28/eames-graphic-designs-on-show/Raphael, T. (2016, April 12). The “Damsels of Design,” women who changed automotive history. The World from PRX. https://www.pri.org/stories/2016-04-12/damsels-design-women-who-changed-automotive-historyRomano, A. (2019, June 17). The Value of Good Design. DisegnoDaily. https://www.disegnodaily.com/article/the-value-of-good-designSaval, N. (2019, April 4). How “Good Design” Failed Us. The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/how-good-design-failed-usSchuessler, J. (2020, May 16). Ray Eames, Out of Her Husband's Shadow. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/arts/ray-charles-eames-artists.htmlSmith, R. (2009, June 5). The Ordinary as Objects of Desire: MoMA Looks Back at Everyday Design. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/05/arts/design/05desi.htmlSussman/Prejza & Co. (2020, June 29). Deborah Sussman. Sussman Prejza. https://sussmanprejza.com/bio/deborah-sussman/The design genius of Charles + Ray Eames. (2009, July 6). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0vDWqp6J7YThe Museum of Modern Art. (2009, May 6). MoMA REVISITS WHAT ‘GOOD DESIGN' WAS OVER 50 YEARS LATER[Press release]. https://assets.moma.org/documents/moma_press-release_387178.pdf?_ga=2.250983619.475073280.1609623298-1952243929.1609623298Veit, R. (2016, March 22). The Story Behind GM's Celebrated “Damsels of Design.” Core77. https://www.core77.com/posts/49498/The-Story-Behind-GMs-Celebrated-Damsels-of-DesignWalker, A. (2015, April 2). The Designer Who Helped Give L.A. Its Look. T Magazine. https://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/17/on-view-the-designer-who-helped-give-l-a-its-look/
Louise Jefferson was a graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, and civil rights activist. Born in Washington, DC, Jefferson spent much of her career in Harlem, New York. It was there that she became the first female African-American art director in publishing. While working as the art director for the Friendship Press, she also did freelance work for civil rights publications such as Opportunity (which encouraged young Black writers) and Crisis, the official publication of the NAACP. She worked on a children's book titled We Sing America that was intended to educate children about the realities of being black in America. It was controversial, and even banned in Georgia. Jefferson later illustrated E. Jefferson Murphy's book Understanding Africa, which showed the cultural richness and diversity of Africa. The project she seemed most proud of was her own book The Decorative Arts of Africa which documented the cultures and lifestyle of the peoples of Africa. The book took several years and five trips to Africa to complete. Jefferson lived in times and places of turmoil. She fought racial discrimination and stood for social justice. She worked tirelessly to increase opportunities for her fellow Black Americans through programs like the Works Progress Administration and the Harlem Artists Guild. Her entire career was characterized by her determination to improve life and create more opportunity for Black Americans.TIMELINE1908 – b Louise Jefferson in Washington, DC.1919 – Race riots break out across DC.1935 – Louise Jefferson moves to Harlem in New York and becomes a photographer. The first Harlem riot breaks out. Jefferson helps found the Harlem Artists Guild to fund public works post-Depression.1936 – We Sing America is published, featuring illustrations from Jefferson. Intended to educate children about the realities of being Black in America and including depictions of desegregated groups of children, the book is quickly banned in Georgia.1940 – Louise visits the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama during the period of what would become known as the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. Louise captures the sense of depression and grief within the community on film.1942 – Louise becomes art director at Friendship Press, becoming the first female African American art director in the publishing industry.1969 – Jefferson illustrates the educational book Understanding Africa and works on her own book Decorative Arts of Africa.1973 – Decorative Arts of Africa is published, becoming one of the first large collections documenting African culture, containing over 300 illustrations and photographs. Jefferson later retires.2002 – d Louise Jefferson in Litchfield, Connecticut.REFERENCESAbout Ghana. (2021). UNDP in Ghana. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.gh.undp.org/content/ghana/en/home/countryinfo.htmlAbout. (2021). National Urban League. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://nul.orgBanks, T. J. (2012). Sketch people: Stories along the way. Inspiring Voices.Brockell, G. (2019, July 15). The deadly race riot ‘aided and abetted' by The Washington Post a century ago. The Washington Post. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2019/07/15/deadly-race-riot-aided-abetted-by-washington-post-century-ago/Convis, C. (2020). 1908-2002 Louise E. Jefferson, artist publisher photographer mapmaker. Esri Community. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://community.esri.com/t5/conservation-gis-documents/1908-2002-louise-e-jefferson-artist-publisher-photographer/ta-p/914970Daniel Hale Williams and the first successful heart surgery. (n.d.) Columbia University Department of Surgery. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://columbiasurgery.org/news/daniel-hale-williams-and-first-successful-heart-surgeryEditors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, The. (n.d.). Opportunity. In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Opportunity-American-magazineFacincani, L. (2012). Jefferson, Louise E. (1908-2002). Amistad Research Center. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from http://amistadresearchcenter.tulane.edu/archon/?p=creators/creator&id=845Gross, J. (2012). Then: 125th street. NYC then/now: Great depression & great recession. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://eportfolios.macaulay.cuny.edu/brooks12/then-125th-street/Heller, J. (2017, May 10). AP was there: Black men untreated in Tuskegee syphilis study. Associated Press. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://apnews.com/article/e9dd07eaa4e74052878a68132cd3803aJefferson, L. (1946). Americans of negro lineage [Map]. Friendship Press.Jefferson, L. (1987) Alabama boy [Photograph]. Mutual Art. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.mutualart.com/Artwork/Alabama-Boy/D89D81A498D419E2?freeunlock=AF4CB17BDA2069E2King, J. (2018). Louise E. Jefferson's design journey. AIGA. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.aiga.org/design-journeys-louise-e-jeffersonLouise E. Jefferson. (2021). Petrucci Family Foundation Collection. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://pffcollection.com/artists/louise-e-jefferson/Louise E. Jefferson. (n.d.) Extravagant Crowd. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from http://brbl-archive.library.yale.edu/exhibitions/cvvpw/gallery/jefferson.htmlMcQuirter, M. (2003). A brief history of African Americans in Washington, DC. Cultural Tourism DC. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/a-brief-history-of-african-americans-in-washington-dcSchomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division, The New York Public Library. (1936). We Sing America. Retrieved 25 May 2021 from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/f0881d50-e599-0134-43d6-098d51a24b40Whitebeck, D. (1984, February). Gallery. The Hartford Courant, E10
Elaine Lustig Cohen got an unconventional start as a graphic designer. After deciding not to pursue a career in art education, she began working as an assistant to her first husband, noted modernist designer Alvin Lustig. Her early work in the industry was far from glamorous, as she was mostly doing paste-up and assembling Alvin's designs. She described her position as more of an “office slave”. As Alvin began to lose his sight due to complications with diabetes, he began to rely on Elaine and his other assistants more and more. When Alvin passed away, Elaine took over the business. Her first commission was to complete the design for signage of the Seagram building in NYC working with architects Philip Johnson and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The success of this work turned into more commissions. She took on some of Alvin's other clients, leading to a close relationship with, and later marriage to Meridian books editor and founder Arthur Cohen. Elaine closed her studio in 1969 to focus on a career in art, but continued creating designs for Ex Libris, the antiquarian book business she started with Arthur, which imported rare books and documents of the European Avant Garde to America. Though she began her career with little formal training as a designer, Elaine designed over 150 book covers, a number of promotional and catalog designs for exhibitions, pioneered what she called Architectural Identification Design and has since had her work honored through many well-deserved exhibitions and awards.TIMELINE1927 – b 1927, Elaine Firstenberg1948 – Married Alvin Lustig1955 – Alvin Lustig Died1956 – Married Arthur Cohen (Meridian Books editor) 1969 – closed design studio to focus on art1972 – Started Ex Libris w/ Cohen1995 – retrospective at Cooper Hewitt curated by Ellen Lupton1998 - Closed Ex Libris2011 – Awarded AIGA Medal2014 – P! show2015 – paintings shown at Philip Johnson's “Glass House”2016 – d 20162018 – Jewish Museum Show, exhibition of art and design workREFERENCEShttps://elainelustigcohen.com/Barron, M. (2013, May 8). Elaine Lustig Cohen Interview. Bomb Magazine. Retrieved August 7, 2019 from: https://elainelustigcohen.com/bomb-magazine-elaine-lustig-cohen-interview/Belen, P. & D'Onofrio, G. (2012) Elaine Lustig Cohen: The art of modern graphics. The Shelf Journal. Issue N. 2. Retrieved August 7, 2019 from: https://elainelustigcohen.com/the-art-of-modern-graphics/Campbell, A. (2015). Elaine Lusting Cohen. Art in America (1939), 103(8), 153.Gates, A. (2016). Elaine Lustig Cohen, Modernist Designer, Dies at 89. The New York Times, pp. The New York Times, 2016-10-09.Hagerty, J.. (2016). Elaine Lustig Cohen Designed Elegant Signage and Book Covers; Influenced by European avant-garde, she later turned to painting. The Wall Street Journal. Eastern Edition, pp. The Wall Street journal. Eastern edition, 2016-10-14.Heller, S. (2007). Modern pioneer. Print, 61(2), 14. Heller, S. (2011, December 5). Elaine Lustig Cohen. AIGA.org Retrieved August 7, 2019 from https://www.aiga.org/medalist-elainelustigcohenHeller, S., & Cohen, E. (2010). Born modern : The life and work of Alvin Lustig. Chronicle books.Lupton, E. (1995). Elaine Lustig Cohen, Modern Graphic Designer. Eye Magazine Retrieved August 7, 2019 from: https://elainelustigcohen.com/modern-graphic-designer/MacAdam, B. (1995). Showcasing a New Type of Designer: Lustig Cohen's International Style at Cooper-Hewitt. Forward (New York, N.Y.), pp. Forward (New York, N.Y.), 1995-03-10.Sherin, A., & Cohen, E. (2014). Elaine Lustig Cohen : Modernism reimagined (Graphic design archives chapbook series; 5) RIT Press: Rochester, New York.And special thanks to Tamar Cohen, Elaine's daughter, for clarifying some additional details for us. Tamar's amazing work can be found at http://tamarcohen.com/
Deborah Sussman is known as a leader of environmental graphic design, a relatively new field at the time that had a surprising number of women leading the charge. Sussman had a passion for the arts and attended some of the finest art and design institutions in the nation, including the Black Mountain College, the Institute of Design in Chicago, and Bard College in NYC. Sussman interned at the Eames office then later started her own successful design studio with her husband Paul Prejza, Sussman/Prejza & Company. The pair made a dynamic team, earning a considerable amount of recognition in Sussman's lifetime. The colorful modernism seen in much of Sussman's work was most visible in her designs for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Her designs were highly regarded for the bold colors and graphics that were both attractive and functional. The Olympic designs were even included in Time Magazine's “Best of the Decade”. In addition to the designs for the Olympics, Sussman/Prejza & Company did environmental design work for Disney and comprehensive design systems for the cities of Santa Monica & Philadelphia. While her designs for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles brought the most attention to the burgeoning field of environmental design, it was her dedication to pioneering the field that cements her place in the canon of graphic design.TIMELINE1931 – b New York1948 – Attends summer school at the Black Mountain College, for art & performance1948-50 – Attends Bard College, New York for painting & acting1950-53 – Attends the Institute of Design, Chicago1953-58 – works at Eames office1957-58 – Awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Ulm, Germany1961 – Returns to work for the Eames office1968 – Establishes her own practice1972 – Marries architect Paul Prejza1975 – Awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Calcutta, India1980 – Founds Sussman/Prejza & Company, a partnership with her husband1983 – Fellow and founder of AIGA/LA1987 – Elected member of AGI, Alliance Graphique Internationale1987 – Elected member of The Trusteeship, International Women's Forum1988 – Named an Honorary member of the American Institute of Architects1990 – featured in Time Magazine's “Best of the Decade” for ‘84 Los Angeles Olympic designs1991 – Named Fellow of the Society of Environmental Graphic Design1995 – First woman to exhibit at School of Visual Arts' “Master Series” 2014 – d in Los Angeles at the age of 83REFERENCESBlack Mountain College: A Brief Introduction. (2020, July 9). https://www.blackmountaincollege.org/history/Deborah Sussman. (2020, June 29). Sussman/Prejza & Company. Retrieved December 01, 2020, from https://sussmanprejza.com/bio/deborah-sussman/Discover Los Angeles. (2020, July 20). Historical Timeline of Los Angeles. Retrieved December 01, 2020, from http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/historical-timeline-of-los-angelesEames Office. (2020, March 26). Charles and Ray Eames. https://www.eamesoffice.com/eames-office/charles-and-ray/Giovannini, J. (2006). Turning surface into symbols: the environmental design firm Sussman-Prejza enriches architecture with graphics. Architectural Record, 194(1).History.com Editors. (2009, November 13). Soviets announce boycott of 1984 Olympics. A&E Television Networks. Retrieved December 01, 2020, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/soviets-announce-boycott-of-1984-olympicsLatson, J. (2014, September 05). "Murder in Munich": A Terrorist Threat Ignored. Time. Retrieved December 01, 2020, from https://time.com/3223225/munich-anniversary/Meggs, P. B., & Purvis, A. W. (2016). Meggs' history of graphic design. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.Mertin, E. (2012). The Soviet Union and the Olympic games of 1980 and 1984. East Plays West:Sport and the Cold War, 235.Olsberg, N. (2014). Architecture and Sculpture a Dialogue in Los Angeles. Architectural Review, 235(1405), 88–93.Sussman, D. (2014). L.A. Wo Man. Creative Review, 34(1), 48–53.Poulin, Richard. (2012). Graphic Design and Architecture, A 20th Century History. Osceola: Quarto Publishing Group USA.Twemlow, A. (2004, September 6). Deborah Sussman. AIGA.org Retrieved December 01, 2020, from https://www.aiga.org/medalist-deborahsussmanWaldo, E. (2014). Deborah Sussman Dies at 83. Contract, 55(7), 16.
Tomoko Miho was a Japanese-American graphic and industrial designer. Born Tomoko Kawakami in 1931 in Los Angeles, California, she learned her first design principles from the family flower business. Tomoko lived in LA until her family was forcibly interned in 1942. The Kawakami family spent three years of their lives imprisoned without reason or evidence at the Gila River War Relocation Center. Like most internment camps, Gila River was overcrowded and unhygienic, conditions that contributed to a majority of the 1,862 internment camp deaths. Tomoko and the Kawakami family survived their internment and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tomoko took design classes there and later moved back to Los Angeles, California with a full scholarship to the Art Center School. Around graduation she met her future husband, fellow designer James Miho. The couple would travel together often during their lives, moving to different cities for work or taking international trips for both business and leisure. Tomoko Miho met many fellow talented designers of her day, even mentoring under prolific modernist designer Irving Harper. Tomoko Miho would eventually start her own firm, Tomoko Miho Design, where she was known for her creative take on minimalism that would use shape and harmony to create elegant, multilayered worlds. Her unique style has left a lasting impression, especially on catalog design which her innovative minimalism transformed into something stylish and fashionable.TIMELINE1931 – b Tomoko Kawakami in Los Angeles, California.1942 – President Franklin Roosevelt issues Executive Order 9066; Japanese internment begins in America.1945 – Internment ends; the Kawakami family relocates to Minneapolis, Minnesota.1958 – Tomoko graduates from the Art Center School of Minneapolis, Minnesota with an industrial design degree. Around this time, Tomoko meets husband James Miho.1960 – Tomoko and James take a six-month tour of Europe, meeting several notable European designers.1974 – The couple opens their own company, Miho Associates.1982 – Tomoko and James divorce; Tomoko founds Tomoko Miho Design in New York.2012 – d Tomoko Miho in New York, NY.REFERENCESAmericans of Japanese Ancestry WWII Memorial Alliance. (2020). Gila River Relocation Center. Japanese American Veterans Association. Retrieved 21 May 2021 from http://www.javadc.org/gila_river_relocation_center.htmConradi, J. (2010, September 18). Looking back, thinking forward: A narrative of the Vignellis. The Design Observer Group. Retrieved 21 May 2021 from https://archive.is/20130121113802/http://observatory.designobserver.com/feature/looking-back-thinking-forward-a-narrative-of-the-vignellis/15308/Corley, M. (2018, May 17). Health in Japanese internment camps. Health and medicine in American history. Retrieved 21 May 2021 from https://lewiscar.sites.grinnell.edu/HistoryofMedicine/spring2018/health-in-japanese-internment-camps/History about. (2015). Gila River Indian Community. Retrieved 21 May 2021 from http://www.gilariver.orgKedmey, K. (2017, January 14). How Isamu Noguchi's seven months in a Japanese internment camp inspired his art. Artsy. Retrieved 21 May 2021 from https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-noguchis-seven-months-japanese-internment-camp-inspired-artLeong, K. J. (2020). Gila River. In Brian Niiya (ed.), Densho Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21 May 2021 from http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Gila%20River/Maciag, M. (2013). Population Density for U.S. Cities Statistics. Governing: the future of states and localities. Retrieved 21 May 2021 from https://www.governing.com/gov-data/population-density-land-area-cities-map.htmlMartin, R. (2015, October 15). California dreaming: Reconsidering the work of Charles and Ray Eames. Apollo Magazine. Retrieved 21 May 2021 from https://www.apollo-magazine.com/california-dreaming-reconsidering-the-work-of-charles-and-ray-eames/Other resources. (2021, January 5). National Archives. Retrieved 21 May 2021 from https://www.archives.gov/research/japanese-americans/linksPaid notice: Deaths Miho, Tomoko Kawakami. (2012, February 26). The New York Times. Retrieved 21 May 2021 from https://archive.nytimes.com/query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage-9803E1DE113AF935A15751C0A9649D8B63.htmlRemembering Tomoko Miho. (2017). Ginkgo Journal. Retrieved 21 May 2021 from https://ginkgojournal.com/home/remembering-tomoko-miho/2017Takei, G. (2019). They called us enemy. Top Shelf Productions.Vienne, V. (1993). 1993 AIGA medalist: Tomoko Miho. AIGA: The professional association for design. Retrieved 21 May 2021 from https://web.archive.org/web/20210309014433/https://www.aiga.org/medalist-tomokomiho
Mary Blair was a fine artist, commercial artist, concept artist, and Disney Imagineer. After graduating from Chouinard and marrying Lee Blair, Mary was set to build a career as a regionalist watercolor painter like her husband. Due to World War 2, fine art was not working out, and the two entered the world of commercial art and animation. Both landed positions at Ub Iwerks Studio. In 1940, Blair joined Walt Disney studios as a sketch artist. The job frustrated her, and she quit shortly after. A few months later, Walt Disney animators went on strike in 1941, right when Walt left on a Goodwill tour of South America. Lee Blair was invited to go with a group of Disney artists. Mary desperately wanted to go, so she convinced Walt to bring her. The South American tour was where Mary Blair flourished as an artist and developed the style we know of today. Walt supported and encouraged her work and involved her in a number of projects back at the studios. Blair was the art director on the films Three Caballeros and Saludos Amigos, and concept artist for Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan. Blair left the Disney studios and moved to New York to pursue freelance commercial art. She illustrated for Little Golden Books, did set designs for Radio City Music Hall, and designed ads for Bakers Cocoa and Pall Mall. Mary returned to Disney for her biggest project yet: creating the look for a new Disneyland attraction called “It's a Small World.” Mary Blair's modern style had a huge impact on the way Disney created their films and her influence at Disney can be seen to this day. TIMELINE1911 – b Mcalister, Oklahoma1918 – moved to Morgan Hill, California1933 – Graduated Chouinard Art Institute1940 – hired at Disney Studios 1941 – quit Disney1941 – Animators Strike at the Walt Disney Animation Studios1941 – Disney's South American Goodwill Tour~1940-1960 – Mary Blair worked on Saludos Amigos, 3 Caballeros Peter Pan, Cinderella, etc.1953 – Left disney to begin freelance commercial artist work in New York1951 – Illustrated “I Can Fly” golden book1963 – Walt asked Mary Blair to art direct “It's a Small World”1964 – World's Fair1967 – murals for Disneyland's Tomorrowland1970 – moved to Soquel, California1971 – mural for Disney World Contemporary Resort1978 – d Soquel, California1991 – Awarded Disney Legends award REFERENCESBemis, B. (2018, October 18). Mickey Mouse morale: Disney on the World War II home front. National Museum of American History. https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/ww2-disneyCanemaker, J. (1996). Before the Animation Begins: The Art and Lives of Disney Inspirational Sketch Artists (1st ed.). Hyperion.Canemaker, J. (2012). Mary Blair Treasury of Golden Books. Golden Books.Canemaker, J. (2014). The Art and Flair of Mary Blair (Updated Edition): An Appreciation (Disney Editions Deluxe)(Updated ed.). Disney Editions.Chatting with Hal Ambro and Lee Blair. (2016, June 28). Cartoon Research. https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/chatting-with-hal-ambro-and-lee-blair/Cook, G. (2016, February 15). Modernist Cute: Mary Blair's Art For ‘Dumbo,' Golden Books, ‘It's A Small World' | The ARTery. WBUR.Org. https://www.wbur.org/artery/2016/02/15/mary-blairThe Life Behind the Color: A Brief Biography of Mary Blair. (2014, March 19). LaughingPlace.Com. https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2014/03/19/the-life-behind-the-color-a-brief-biography-of-mary-blair/Hanke, L. (1945, March). What Is the Good Neighbor Policy? | AHA. Historians.Org. https://www.historians.org/about-aha-and-membership/aha-history-and-archives/gi-roundtable-series/pamphlets/em-14-is-the-good-neighbor-policy-a-success-(1945)/what-is-the-good-neighbor-policyHillcrest Press, Inc. (2002). Lee Blair Biography – California Watercolor. Californiawatercolor.Com. https://www.californiawatercolor.com/pages/lee-blair-biographyKinder, B. (2015, November 7). There's Something About Mary: The World of Mary Blair. EatDrinkFilms.Com. https://eatdrinkfilms.com/2014/07/23/theres-something-about-mary-the-world-of-mary-blair/Llamoca, J. (2017, November 27). That Time Walt Disney Went to Latin America to Fight Nazi Sentiment. Latino USA. https://www.latinousa.org/2017/11/17/time-walt-disney-went-latin-america-fight-nazi-sentiment/MARY BLAIR (1911-1978). (2007). Sullivangoss.Com. https://www.sullivangoss.com/artists/mary-blair-1911-1978Norman Rockwell Museum. Mary Blair - Illustration History. Illustration History https://www.illustrationhistory.org/artists/mary-blairOkubo, K. (Producer), & Thomas, T. (Director). (2009). Walt & El Grupo [Motion Picture]. USA: Walt Disney Studios Motion PicturesPrivate Snafu Cartoon Series. (2020, May 19). The National WWII Museum | New Orleans. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/private-snafu-cartoon-seriesReed, G. (2017, April 5). The Surprising Impact of World War II Propaganda Animation Design. Ethos3.Com. https://www.ethos3.com/2017/04/the-surprising-impact-of-world-war-ii-propaganda-animation-design/Schmidt, N. (2020, April 21). Six Things You Didn't Know About Disney Icon Mary Blair. AllEars.Net. https://allears.net/2020/04/19/six-things-you-didnt-know-about-disney-icon-mary-blair/Sito, T. (2005, July 19). The Disney Strike of 1941: How It Changed Animation & Comics. Animation World Network. https://www.awn.com/animationworld/disney-Strike-1941-How-It-Changed-Animation-ComicsSito, T. The Disney Strike, 1941 | Animation Guild. Animationguild.Org. https://animationguild.org/about-the-guild/disney-strike-1941/Walt and the Goodwill Tour | The Walt Disney Family Museum. (2016, September 8). Waltdisney.Org. https://www.waltdisney.org/blog/walt-and-goodwill-tourYesterland: Mary Blair Tomorrowland Tile Murals. (2019, March 1). Yesterland.Com. https://www.yesterland.com/maryblair.html
Bea Feitler was a graphic designer, art director, educator, and a mentor to young professionals. Originally from Brazil, Feitler eventually found her home in New York City and made a name for herself in the magazine industry. Early on in her career she was named co-art director of Harper's Bazaar along with Ruth Ansel—both having served as graphic designers under art director Marvin Israel (1924–85) who had been one of Feitler's instructors at Parsons. Known for taking chances, Feitler and Ansel pushed Harper's to its limits. Under Feitler's and Ansel's direction, Harper's became one of the first national publications to photograph and feature an African American model. After leaving Harper's, Feitler got involved with Ms., a liberal feminist publication founded by Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman Hughes. At Ms. Magazine, Feitler was responsible for many controversial covers including one for a December (Christmas) issue, which featured the slogan “Peace on Earth, Good Will toward People”, revising the historically patriarchal statement “Peace on Earth, Good Will toward Men.” Despite a relatively short career, due to her untimely death at age 44, she made a significant impact on magazine design while also taking a stand for feminism and equality. TIMELINE1938 – b Rio de Janeiro1959 – Attended Parson's School of Design1959 – Founds Estudio G in Rio de Janeiro1961 – Returns to New York as assistant to Marvin Israel at Harper's Bazaar1963 (62?) – Named art director at Harper's Bazaar (with Ruth Ansel)1965 – First to hire black model in popular U.S. fashion magazine, Harper's Bazaar1971 – Named art director of startup magazine Ms.1972 – Left Harper's Bazaar, transitions to full-time at Ms.1976 – Left Ms. to start her own company1982 – d Rio de Janeiro, April 81989 – AIGA Medal awarded, posthumously1991 – Inducted into the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame, posthumouslyREFERENCESAndre, L. T. (1976, Oct 08). Eye® view. Wwd, 133, 36. Bea Feitler, Magazine And Book Designer, 44. (1982, April 11). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/11/obituaries/bea-feitler-magazine-and-book-designer-44.htmlBruno Feitler on Bea Feitler (2014, March 18). Hall of Femmes. http://halloffemmes.com/2014/03/bruno-feitler-about-bea-feitler/Bea Feitler. (1991). ADCglobal. org http://adcglobal.org/hall-of-fame/bea-feitler/Chetty, D. (2019, February 1). Black History Month: Trailblazing black models who broke barriers. Zoomer. http://www.everythingzoomer.com/style/2019/02/01/black-models-broke-barriers/Gavin, T. (2017, September 8). The Pioneering female art director you've never heard of. AnOther. http://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/10134/the-pioneering-female-art-director-youve-never-heard-ofMeggs, P. (1989, September 1). Bea Feitler. AIGA.org https://www.aiga.org/medalist-beafeitlerNorman, D. (2018, February 2). Black Excellence: The legacy of Donyale Luna. V Magazine. https://vmagazine.com/article/black-excellence-donyale-luna/Ren, M. (2018). Steinem, Gloria. In S. Bronner (Ed.), Encyclopedia of American studies. MD: Johns Hopkins University Press. Sherin, A. (2006, October 20) Feitler, Bea(triz). Grove Art Online. Ed. Steinem, Gloria. (2001). In H. Rappaport, Encyclopedia of women social reformers. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. Stevenson, A. (2016, December 18). “Peace on earth good will to people”: holiday reflections on Ms. Magazine. Australian Women's History Network. http://www.auswhn.org.au/blog/peace-earth-good-will-people/The Editor's Guest Book. (1964, February). Harper's Bazaar, 97, 93.
Varvara Stepanova was a leader of the constructivist movement and co-author of the constructivist manifesto. Described as “a frenzied artist,” she designed books, magazines, posters, advertisements, as well as textiles, clothing, and costumes. On top of that, she was an author and poet. Her design style and aesthetic was avant garde, modern, and often characterized by simplicity and geometric forms and patterns, but Varvara was never content with stasis. She constantly evolved her style and worked to develop new concepts and ideas. As a co-founder of the Constructivist movement, her work typifies the aesthetic and philosophies of Constructivism. While Varavara worked on many of her own projects, she also did many together with her husband, Alexander Rodchenko, another well-known Constructivist designer. Her work often gets linked to Rodchenko's, and it's Rodchenko who gets mentioned in histories of graphic design and credit for designs that should be attributed to Stepanova as well. At a time when women were largely still expected to be no more than wives and mothers, Stepanova was a woman who made an unmistakable mark on art and design.TIMELINE1894 – b Kovno [now Kaunas, Lithuania]1910-11 – Attended Kazan' School of Art (meets Aleksandr Rodchenko)1913-14 – Attended Stroganov School, studied with Konstantin Yuon & Il'ya Mashkov1920-30 – Taught at the Vkhutemas design school1921 – Work included as part of the 5 x 5 = 25 exhibition1922 – Co-wrote the Constructivist Manifesto with Alexander Rodchenko & Aleksei Gan 1922 – Designed the set and costumes for The Death of Tarelkin1923 – Worked at the First Textile Printing Factory designing fabrics1924 – Vladimir Lenin dies, marks the beginning of the end of the Soviet Avant Garde1925 – Costume designs for the play The Death of Tarelkin were exhibited in the Soviet Pavilion at the International Exhibition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in Paris1932 – Independent artist groups are banned by Josef Stalin1958 – d Moscow, May 20thREFERENCESAdaskina, N. (1987). Constructivist Fabrics and Dress Design. The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts, 5, 144-159. doi:10.2307/1503941Aspden, R. (2009, Jan 26). Constructing a new world. New Statesman, 138, 40-43. Retrieved from Cunningham, R. (1998). The Russian women artist/designers of the avant-garde. TD&T: Theatre Design & Technology, 34(2), 38–51. Fer, B. (1989). Tatlin; Varvara Stepanova: a Constructivist life. Art History, 12, 382–385. Goldman, W. (2002). Women at the gates gender and industry in Stalin's Russia. Cambridge, UK; New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.Jenkins, S. (2014). Russia's dynamic duo. Art Newspaper, 24(263), 32. Lavrentiev, A. (1988). Varvara Stepanova: A constructivist life. London; Thames and Hudson.Nazarov, Y. (1996). Can Man Live Without Wonder? by Varvara Stepanova (review). Leonardo, 29(1), 79.Vkhutemas. (2004). In G. Julier, The Thames & Hudson dictionary of design since 1900 (2nd ed.). Thames & Hudson. Credo Reference: Wolanksi, M. (retrieved on June 25, 2020) “The Role of Women in Soviet Russia”. Guided History: History Research guides by Boston University students. Blog. https://blogs.bu.edu/guidedhistory/moderneurope/molly-wolanski/