Featured Designer | Herbert Matter

Herbert Matter was born in 1907 in Switzerland, which meant being born in one of greatest countries for design in the world. So we probably all can see where this is going. He soaked up all the greatness he could out of Switzerland and then moved on to Paris. Here he picked up the influences of Man Ray and began to develop his signature style of using collage and montage and learned the fine of typography.

When his style and reputation was established we did a design tour of America and soon got jobs with Saks Fifth Avenue and Harper's Bazaar. This poem, written by fellow designer Paul Rand best describes Matter and his work:

Herbert Matter is a magician.
To satisfy the needs of industry, that's what you have to be.
Industry is a tough taskmaster.
Art is tougher.
Industry plus Art, almost impossible.
Some artists have done the impossible.
Herbert Matter, for example.
His work of '32 could have been done in '72 or even '82.
It has that timeless, unerring quality one recognizes instinctively.
It speaks to all tongues, with one tongue.
It is uncomplicated, to the point, familiar, and yet unexpected.
Something brought to light, an image, a surprise, an analogy.
It is believable, as it is unbelievable.
It always has an idea, the one you almost thought of.
It may be formal or anecdotal, full of sentiment, but not sentimental.
It is commercial; it is contemplative.
It enhances the quality of life.
It is Art.