Renowned graphic designer Paula Scher shares her insights and techniques in a new online course on BBC Maestro, offering aspiring designers a chance to learn from a true luminary in the field.
Paula Scher, an iconic figure in the world of graphic design, is known for her exceptional work on major brand identities such as MoMa, Coca-Cola, Disney, and Microsoft. As the first female partner at Pentagram, she has made significant contributions to the industry over the course of her four-decade career. Now, Scher has teamed up with BBC Maestro to share her knowledge and experience through an online course titled “Graphic Design.” Released on October 29, this course offers designers of all levels the opportunity to delve into the techniques and principles that underpin successful visual communication.
Teaching: A Passion for Sharing Knowledge
In an exclusive interview, Scher expressed her passion for teaching and the joy she finds in helping others develop their creative skills. Having taught at renowned institutions such as the School of Visual Arts (SVA), Cooper Union, Yale University, and the Tyler School of Art, Scher highlights the satisfaction of witnessing her students’ growth and improvement. Many of her former students have gone on to work with her at Pentagram, creating a close-knit community that spans generations. With the release of her BBC Maestro course, Scher acknowledges the limitations of virtual teaching but emphasizes that it can be a valuable supplement to in-person instruction.
The Course: A Guide to Seeing
Scher’s course on BBC Maestro serves as a comprehensive guide to visual perception. Drawing on her vast knowledge of design history, she explores various aspects of the field, including poster design, typography, style, logos, and editorial design. By examining the work of influential designers such as Willy Fleckhaus, David King, and Derek Birdsall, Scher provides students with invaluable insights into the principles and thought processes behind successful design. Additionally, the course features case studies of Scher’s own projects, allowing students to witness the evolution of a design from start to finish. To further enrich the learning experience, Scher’s partners at Pentagram, Michael Gericke and Emily Oberman, contribute lectures on environmental graphics and animation, respectively.
Expanding Visual Horizons
One of the course’s key objectives is to broaden students’ visual understanding, particularly for those who may have limited exposure to design beyond contemporary sources such as Instagram. Scher emphasizes the importance of exploring design history and references, enabling students to recognize the origins and evolution of design trends. By expanding their visual repertoire, students gain a deeper appreciation for the power of design and its ability to convey meaning and evoke emotions.
Influences and Inspirations
Reflecting on her own journey as a designer and teacher, Scher recalls the influence of her teacher, Stanislaw Gorski, a Polish illustrator. Gorski’s simple yet profound guidance to “illustrate with type” transformed Scher’s approach to typography and shaped her entire career. This experience serves as a reminder that breakthroughs can come from unexpected sources and that a good teacher has the ability to inspire and guide students towards unlocking their creative potential.
The Path to Mastery
Scher believes that the best graphic design students are those who possess a willingness to learn and evolve. While everyone has their own timeline for understanding and mastering design principles, Scher emphasizes the importance of developing an eye for detail and the ability to notice and appreciate the nuances of design. A skilled teacher can help students cultivate this awareness and challenge their preconceived notions, ultimately guiding them towards becoming proficient designers.
Conclusion:
Paula Scher’s Graphic Design course on BBC Maestro offers aspiring designers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most celebrated figures. Through her extensive knowledge, captivating teaching style, and emphasis on design history, Scher equips students with the tools and insights necessary to excel in the field of graphic design. Aspiring designers who embark on this course will undoubtedly gain a deeper understanding of visual communication and be inspired to push the boundaries of their own creativity.
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