Massimo Vignelli
Designer
Massimo Vignelli, born in Milan, studied architecture in Milan and Venice. He came to the United States from 1957 to 1960 on fellowships from Towle Silversmiths in Massachusetts and the Institute of Design, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. In 1960, with Lella Vignelli, he established the Vignelli Office of Design and Architecture in Milan.
In 1965, Vignelli became co-founder and design director of Unimark International Corporation. With Lella Vignelli, he established the offices of Vignelli Associates in 1971, and Vignelli Designs in 1978. His work includes graphic and corporate identity programs, publication designs, architectural graphics, and exhibition, interior, furniture, and consumer product designs for many leading American and European companies and institutions.
Vignelli has had his work published and exhibited throughout the world and entered in the permanent collections of several museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Brooklyn Museum. He is a past president of the Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGl) and the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AlGA), a vice president of the Architectural League, and a member of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). His many awards and honors include the AIGA Gold Medal, the Presidential Design Award, and the National Arts Club Gold Medal for Design.
In 1965, Vignelli became co-founder and design director of Unimark International Corporation. With Lella Vignelli, he established the offices of Vignelli Associates in 1971, and Vignelli Designs in 1978. His work includes graphic and corporate identity programs, publication designs, architectural graphics, and exhibition, interior, furniture, and consumer product designs for many leading American and European companies and institutions.
Vignelli has had his work published and exhibited throughout the world and entered in the permanent collections of several museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Brooklyn Museum. He is a past president of the Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGl) and the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AlGA), a vice president of the Architectural League, and a member of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). His many awards and honors include the AIGA Gold Medal, the Presidential Design Award, and the National Arts Club Gold Medal for Design.
Massimo Vignelli recalls his days as a “groupie” hanging out with the greatest architects of the 20th century.
▸
3 min
—
with
Postmodernism was a passing fad, says the legendary designer. Modernism is “a discipline, not a style”—and is alive and well.
▸
3 min
—
with
When you live in the shadow of the Vatican, “ambiguity becomes very natural” in life and art.
▸
5 min
—
with
The celebrated designer discusses the history of typography, the popularity of the film “Helvetica,” and why there are only a dozen good fonts in the world.
▸
7 min
—
with
The creator of iconic subway maps, city signage, and corporate logos loves seeing his work everywhere. So does his “twin brother,” his ego.
▸
5 min
—
with
The legendary designer explains how to avoid fads, cheap tricks, and “vulgarities” of all kinds.
▸
6 min
—
with
Massimo Vignelli divides his profession into two eras, B.C. and A.C.: Before Computer and After Computer.
▸
5 min
—
with
In his apprentice days as a designer, Massimo Vignelli learned that versatility was the key to success.
▸
3 min
—
with
An interview with the modernist designer and founder of Vignelli Associates.
▸
36 min
—
with