Paul Rand: Modern Graphic Design

How has artistic style developed from 20th Century graphic design, to Contemporary graphic design? I will be reviewing designs by Paul Rand and exemplifying how postmodern graphic design by Paul Rand has inspired modern designers, as well as justifying how his work is still relevant and popular today.

Paul Rand was an American graphic designer and art director from New York. Born 15th August 1914 in Peretz Rosenbaum, Rand grew up in a stern Orthodox Jewish household with his older sister and twin brother. His father, Itzhak Yehuda, was an immigrant from Poland. His mother, Leah, was from Brooklyn, where Rand and his family were raised. Rand’s family ran the local grocery store, which he and his brother would work as well as studying at Brooklyn state school during the day, then studying the Talmud at the Yeshiva, their

“In the Orthodox religion, you don’t draw the human figure. It’s against the rules” – Paul Rand. Heller, S. (1999) 'Routes: The boy art director ', Paul Rand. London and New York: Phaindon Press Limited. pp. 14. This rebellion that Rand expressed would be the start to his creative desire and would fuel his love for art. Rand was determined to pursue a create career and study his passion at Harren high school, earning a four-year diploma, then studying at Pratt Institute, earning an art certificate after three years. Rand felt that both schools provide little inspiration or creative freedom. “I literally learnt nothing at Pratt; or whatever little I learned, I learned by doing myself” – Paul Rand. Heller, S. (1999) 'Routes: The boy art director ', Paul Rand. London and New York: Phaindon Press Limited. pp. 15. Whether it was a lack of creative stimulation or living in poverty, Rand was determined to earn more money than his parents, and early on, decided that he would focus on the profitable side of