Bob Gill

Bob Gill: A Master of Simple, Powerful Design

Bob Gill, a true giant of graphic design, wasn’t about flashy gimmicks. His strength lay in clear, concise communication, stripping away the superfluous to reveal the core message. Born in Brooklyn in 1931, Gill honed his skills in New York before heading to London in the 1960s, where he co-founded the influential design firm Fletcher/Forbes/Gill.

This legendary trio, known for their groundbreaking work for clients like Apple Corps and the Royal Shakespeare Company, redefined what graphic design could be. Gill, with his signature blend of wit and intelligence, championed a less-is-more approach that prioritized clarity and impact.

His work transcended mere aesthetics, becoming a powerful force in shaping visual culture. Whether it was a minimalist logo or a striking poster, Gill’s designs were always rooted in a deep understanding of the message and the audience. His influence continues to resonate today, inspiring a new generation of designers to prioritize simplicity and effectiveness.

Credit: Photo Mark Mahaney/The New York Times

Neville Brody

Neville Brody

I've always been a champion of good typography, but I felt the discipline had long been in the doldrums until in the 1980s, something fresh and exciting happened. Neville Brody burst onto the scene. A British graphic designer, known for his bold, experimental, and...

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Peter Saville

Peter Saville

I was first aware of Factory Records, before I knew of the creative force behind them. It was, of course, Peter Saville, the British graphic designer, who's renowned for his minimalist and iconic album covers, particularly for bands like Joy Division and New Order....

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Milton Glaser (1929 – 2020)

Milton Glaser (1929 – 2020)

I remember first coming across the work of Push Pin Studios while I was still at college. We had many American design magazines in the library and I just wanted to know, 'Who are these guys?' One of the co-founders was Milton Glaser, an American graphic designer, who...

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Colin Forbes (1931-2014)

Colin Forbes (1931-2014)

The very first design book I saw - and bought - was 'Graphic Design, Visual Comparisons' by Fletcher/Forbes/Gill. A classic, it was true to its form and had few words, but many images told their own story. Colin Forbes, a key figure in British graphic design, was...

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Armin Hoffman (1936-2020)

Armin Hoffman (1936-2020)

In my foundation year, I won the year prize (I have no idea how!). It was a book voucher, and I chose 'Graphic Design Manual' by Armin Hoffmann. I had never heard of him, but the book inspired and fundamentally influenced my work for years to come. Later in life, I...

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Germano Facetti (1935-2015)

Germano Facetti (1935-2015)

In my first year at college I was blown away by an exhibition of Penguin book jackets. I wasn't aware of the name of one of the most important designers, but perhaps it triggered my career choice in later years as a paperback art director. Germano Facetti, an Italian...

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How it all began

How it all began

“Hey, this kid can’t half draw!”  That was Alan. One of the older patients in the children’s hospital. ‘Older’ is a relative term. He was probably twelve, clad in pyjama trousers and a fairisle pullover. He was leaning over the shoulder of ‘the kid’. That was me....

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