A few weeks ago, a few of us went to see Massimo Vignelli (Martin Scorcese of Graphic Design) speak at an AIGA event. Since pretty much everything that came out of his mouth was quotable, I’ll just let him do the talking. Here’s some of the best nuggets:
“Without a grid I’m lost”
“A chair is more important for your head than it is for your ass.”
Discussing his love for a Rietvelt chair
“Design and fashion are big enemies”
“Obsolescence is morally despicable.”
In reference to the fashion industry
“If you can’t find it, design it”
On finding a good suit
“The culture of refinement is much bigger than the culture of change.”
Thoughts on typefaces
“Émigré is the worst thing that happened to the country”
“There is no room for irresponsible design.”
“I was very happy to design a church because I’m not a very religious person, but you never know”
“I got the idea for the church pews from a toilet seat.”
In reference to folding pews
“Design is a continuous orgasm.”
“I’m terrorized by oblivion”
“The opposite of modern is contemporary. Contemporary is trendy”
“We never figured out how to make politicians modern. They’re still old farts. Except Gore, we miss him.”
Amen, Massimo.
