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Marywood University Masters of Fine Art
Study Tour – New York
Interview with Milton Glaser
207 East 32nd Street – NYC – 11/5/15
As we walked east on 32nd street in the East Village, I noticed an unusually nice looking building with character that stood out from the other buildings. This was the former Pushpin Studios and where Milton Glaser’s studio is today. As we walked into the studio we were greeted by a huge totem pole and walked upstairs to find a small conference room where we sat down anticipating the arrival of the legendary Milton Glaser.
When Milton walked in, he sat down at the table and said “Who are you and what do you want?” Right off the bat, I knew that he was not going to have time for stupid questions as he showed a scowl on his face. He began talking about how printmaking, etching, engraving and lithography were early influences in his work and how the process is part of the design. He said “the speed of the computer can be a tremendous detriment to young designers.” He talked about how the process of design is not the same on a computer and how the artist is affected by the medium used.
“The brain is changed by the stroke that you draw” –Milton Glaser
Milton talked about design much like a doctor talks about the body. He shared wisdom about how the mind of the artist works. When you have done it as long as he has, you get really down to the basics of understanding what an artist does. He talked about drawing being the same as meditation for him. He said “everything begins with drawing” and “The only thing that matters is what the brain invents looking at something and reinventing a way to repeat it.” He has a smart way of saying the most common sense things that sound genius.
“Try to understand what is real” –Milton Glaser
It was great to meet a design legend like Milton and I really like to hear what people have to say when they are 86 years old no matter who they are.
Milton is quite an amazing person to listen to considering his accomplishments and philosophy on art and life.
My Takeaways:
- You’re too old to truly re-invent yourself, you evolve and mature.
- Get back to using the mediums that you enjoy working with.
- Be the best designer you can be and people will learn from it.
- DO rather than SAY.
- It is not a one way street between your mind and your hand.
- “Everything begins with drawing.” – Milton
- Designers need time to process what they are doing.
- Drawing is like being in a state of meditation.
- Reinvent what is real.
- Drawing is living.
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