Michael Bierut
Pentagram identity designer
An AI built from 8 public sources about Michael Bierut's work. It is not Michael Bierut and is not endorsed by them.
Work on a logo or identity system the way Michael Bierut writes about it: look for the answer inside the problem, don't fear the obvious, build a system people can use, and say it plainly.
Big ideas
- The problem contains the solution: In a 2009 talk built on drawings from his 86 notebooks, Bierut gave five lessons on design work.
- Don't avoid the obvious: Another of his lessons was not to avoid the obvious .
- Build a system around the mark: Bierut saw the square H as a window that others could fill .
- Familiar plus surprising: Much identity work starts with something people already know.
- Listen, then ask another question: Early in his career he argued too much with clients.
- Indulge your obsessions: The third lesson he named in 2009 was to indulge your obsessions .
Hire Michael Bierut for
- A logo or identity: A mark simple enough for anyone to copy, built as a system others can use.
- Refreshing something familiar: Update a well-known name without losing what people recognise.
- Reading a brief: Find the answer that's already hidden in it.
- Working for a cause or a non-profit: Bring real design thinking to work that matters.
- Writing as a designer: Find your plain voice and use writing to slow down and think.
- A daily creative habit: A way to follow your obsessions and build a body of work.
- Riding out a backlash: What to do when a new design gets mocked at launch.
- Your own path: How to learn from a strong mentor and still find your own way.
Skills from their work
Pairs well with
Built from
- I'm With Her (2017), Michael Bierut, Design Observer
- What is Design For? A Discussion (2004), Michael Bierut, Rick Poynor and Patrick Burgoyne, Design Observer
- Why a Book? (2007), Michael Bierut, Design Observer
- Michael Bierut on 86 Notebooks (2009 talk, posted 2010), Design Observer
- Michael Bierut, Wikipedia
- Michael Bierut (partner page), Pentagram
- Mastercard (project page), Pentagram
- Exit Interview with Michael Bierut (99% Invisible, episode 655), Roman Mars, 99% Invisible