George Lois, a renowned graphic designer, speaks about his work with "Esquire" magazine in this quote, highlighting how he used celebrity covers not just as simple portraits but as vehicles for social commentary. He mentions creating an image where Hubert Humphrey, a prominent political figure of the time, is depicted as a dummy sitting on Lyndon Johnson's lap, mimicking the president’s views about the Vietnam War. This unconventional approach was meant to provoke thought and discussion.
The deeper meaning of this quote lies in Lois’s philosophy that effective art and design should transcend mere aesthetics and engage with important societal issues. By turning celebrity covers into platforms for political critique, Lois demonstrated how graphic design could influence public opinion and cultural discourse. His work suggests that designers have a responsibility to use their creative talents not just for commercial gain but also to challenge the status quo and stimulate meaningful conversations about complex topics like war and politics.
George Lois is an American graphic designer known for his influential work during the 1960s with "Esquire" magazine, where he revolutionized the concept of the celebrity cover by making it a powerful medium for social commentary. His innovative approach to design not only enhanced the visual appeal of the magazine but also contributed significantly to shaping public discourse on various issues of the time.
