The AIGA began as the old guard of a new profession and 100 years later is still going strong.
AIGA was conceived during a time of worldwide cultural and social flux when print was decidedly the most important communications medium. Old commercial systems were being replaced by highly competitive markets, and industry and business were furiously producing goods and services as never before. All this required more intense salesmanship, and so advertising came into its own as a profession. Printing presses ran around the clock producing reams of ads, promotions, periodicals and books.
1914 was an auspicious year: The start of the great war in Europe, Babe Ruth began his first season on Red Sox, The Panama Canal opens, The U.S. Signal Corps founded, Paul Rand, Josef Müller-Brockmann and Saul Steinberg were born . . . . and the AIGA was founded a the National Arts Club.
This year you can help celebrate the occasion at a number of live and social media events, including Celebrate #AIGA100, Celebrate Design website (images below) and The Facing Forward exhibit.
Happy Birthday, AIGA.
Print’s February Issue
Don’t miss Print’s the Sex & Design issue, which takes a tasteful look at issues surrounding, well, sex and design. Read even more by Steven Heller, such as his feature article that explores the relationship between sex and advertising through the years, as well as his Dialogue and Evolution columns.
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About Steven Heller
Steven Heller is the co-chair of the SVA MFA Designer /Designer as Author + Entrepreneur program, writes frequently for Wired and Design Observer. He is also the author of over 170 books on design and visual culture. He received the 1999 AIGA Medal and is the 2011 recipient of the Smithsonian National Design Award.View all posts by Steven Heller →