A conversation with Paul Rand
Paul Rand. 1914-1996. This six-minute amateur video footage of Rand chatting with some design students offers an insight into the man I hadn’t seen. At the time of writing there are just 233 views on YouTube. A tiny amount considering his reputation in design circles.
Worth your time.
My thanks to Josh Kasten for the tip. Much appreciated.
The video corrects a mistake I made when attributing this quote to Rand:
“Don’t try to be original. Just try to be good.”
Rand was actually quoting the late architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Right at the end of the clip you see Rand outside where the students parked their car. He’s gesturing directions as they prepare to drive away from the studio. It reminded me of how my granddad does the same when I’m reversing out of the drive-way at his home. Kind of endearing.
For a more indepth discussion, here’s a three-part interview.
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15 appreciated comments, click here to add one
Mark Bowley
A strange video, but full of insight.
I wish I’d had Paul Rand videos at my fingertips on YouTube when I was at college – they’re an education in themselves!
Sep 11th, 2009
Luke Lux
He was a wise man, not question about it.
Also, he was authentic! This video shows Paul Rand as Paul Rand. Not one man before camera and other at home. He was himself all the time and it makes him ever worth.
Sep 11th, 2009
Danny Lewandowski
This is actually the last scene in the film “Conversations with Paul Rand” by Preston McClanahan.
It will be available sometime in the future on DVD when all copyrights have been secured.
See more at http://www.paul-rand.com/video_conversationWithPaulRand.shtml
Sep 11th, 2009
David Airey
Me too, Mark. And Luke, “authentic” is right.
Danny, thanks for letting us know, and thanks very much also for the effort you’ve put into the paul-rand.com website. Excellent.
I’m sure the completed DVD will be a great collectors item. One I’d love to purchase.
Sep 11th, 2009
Fionn
Thanks for this, very insightful.
I love the ending.
Sep 12th, 2009
Douglas Bonneville
There is a great post by Von Glitschka at illustrationclass.com where he takes one of his amazing illustrations and completes a process that blurs the line between illustration, graphic design, and fine art, making his graphic design something that is gallery ready.
I like Rand’s statement just past half-way: “Painting is no different than graphic design…one uses oil paint…the other uses whatever he uses…”
http://www.illustrationclass.com/?p=108
Sep 13th, 2009
Ebi Atawodi
“Don’t try to be original. Just try to be good.” And that is one of my favourite quotes. Love Paul Rand. My two teachers are Parsons swore by him and one of them drummed that quote into me!
Sep 13th, 2009
David Airey
Thanks for the link, Douglas. The Vonster comes up with some great material.
Hey Ebi, maybe next time you see those teachers you can tell them it was Mies van der Rohe who said it. I must take a look at his work.
Sep 14th, 2009
Carl Smart
A lot can be said in such few words, great post thanks.
Sep 18th, 2009
nido
I don’t know too much about this Paul Rand… or care too much for him either… but I think he is saying that “don’t be a shit… design is not that important… why the hell do you think it is…why???” …partly because of phrases such as “graphic design is a term that doesn’t mean anything” or “form & content… you get through a dictionary & it doesn’t tell you what it is” (& he sells that crap for a dollar ;) and “I’m going to do it in Swedish… because when you say ‘design’… nobody knows what you are talking about” …finally he points out a painting that he somewhat refers to as “rubbish” and praises the artist (anyone catch his name) as though to say ‘that guy, that artist, he gets it… it’s crap’
Finally though… when you get old (now… I’m not old… but I’m getting there) you realise that what you thought was extremely important… actually… was not… & all the accolades are as hollow as the time you received them in. Gone. This old man is simply trying to reach to these young people & tell them “do it… whatever it is do it… crap is as good as good is as good as original… everything is graphic… & design is nothing… and it’s all the same as 1 dollar in the end… will go quicker then you thought… so don’t live & swear by it” …and this is how it goes when you get old.
I don’t know too much about this Paul Rand… or care too much for him either… but I agree with him.
Sep 19th, 2009
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