What can you learn from a designer who takes a year-long break every seven years? How about one who’s been quoted as saying I’m not interested in good design, I’m interested in effective design? In this blog post, we take a look at the life and work of Stefan Sagmeister, an unconventional graphic designer with some insightful things to share.
Discover the most interesting quotes from Stefan Sagmeister, and much more.
Helps to reveal patterns and emotional needs behind your digital toxic habits.
Born:
August 6, 1962
Nationality:
Austrian
Education:
Hochschule Fuer Angewandte Kunst, Vienna, Pratt Institute, New York City
Known For:
Graphic Design, Film
Website:
sagmeister.com
Hobbies are for people that don’t like what they’re doing. — Stefan Sagmeister
The question I wanted to answer was, could I train my mind to be happy the same way one trains one’s body? — Stefan Sagmeister
Drugs feel great in the beginning and become a drag later on. — Stefan Sagmeister
I discovered that I never really used Helvetica but I like to look at it. I like the VW beetle, too, although I’ve never driven one. — Stefan Sagmeister
It’s much more difficult to make an unbound book than a bound book, because the factories aren’t set up to make an unbound book. — Stefan Sagmeister
So whatever I find true for myself, other people might also relate to. — Stefan Sagmeister
Work your ass off. Don’t be an asshole. — Stefan Sagmeister
Everyone who is honest is interesting. — Stefan Sagmeister
Yes, design can make you happy. — Stefan Sagmeister
To touch somebody’s heart with design. — Stefan Sagmeister
To be stupid and selfish and to have good health are the three requirements for happiness. Though if stupidity is lacking, the others are useless. — Stefan Sagmeister
You could say that bad typography brought us the Afghanistan war, the Iraq war, the housing crisis and a good number of other things. — Stefan Sagmeister
I didn’t think that personal style had much value in graphic design. — Stefan Sagmeister
I’m actually quite critical of the storytelling theme. I think all the storytellers are not storytellers. — Stefan Sagmeister
You’re authentic when you’re honest. — Stefan Sagmeister
Complaining is silly. Either act or forget. — Stefan Sagmeister
I don’t think there is a particular responsibility on designers that is not on other professions… I think there’s a responsibility for all of us to engage on all levels. — Stefan Sagmeister
Having guts always works out for me. — Stefan Sagmeister
Peter Noever is a pain in the ass and a joy in the heart. — Stefan Sagmeister
People who actually tell stories, meaning people who write novels and make feature films, don’t see themselves as storytellers. — Stefan Sagmeister
You can have an art experience in front of a Rembrandt… or in front of a piece of graphic design. — Stefan Sagmeister
To be a good designer, you would need to have deep and far–reaching interests outside of the profession. — Stefan Sagmeister
Any excuse to get away from the computer screen is welcome. — Stefan Sagmeister
Some people said, ‘Oh you’re going to become a fine artist now and do exhibits and stuff.’ But I have no desire to do that. I really like design and I’m going to stay with it. — Stefan Sagmeister
Whenever I do overcome my inherent fear, it turns out well. — Stefan Sagmeister
There are brands out there in the world that have an incredible influence on the culture. Numerous ones are badly done. — Stefan Sagmeister
I had discovered that I’m much less special than I thought I am. So whatever I find true for myself, other people might also relate to. — Stefan Sagmeister
My diary entries allow me to keep track of all the things I would like to change about my life. — Stefan Sagmeister