In 2007, when graphic designer Michael Osborne was invited to join the Board of the San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design (SFMC+D), his first order of business was to suggest an exhibition about graphic design in SF. Osborne recently had the pleasure of curating and designing San Francisco Graphic Design, on view at the SFMC+D until April 26.
Osborne reflects, “My real objective was to show a cross-section of disciplines and a cross-section of careers – younger designers, some in mid-career, and more seasoned designers. I am honored to have been the catalyst – and proud to be a part of the design community here. I learned a lot about the designers I invited to be in the show, all of whom did a great job creating their mini-exhibits. I divided the Museum into zones, let people select their spaces and choose the work they wanted to show. I also learned so much about the rich history of design in San Francisco – which could be an exhibit unto itself. Maybe next time!”
For good measure, everyone also designed a 2’ x 2’ “philosophical quote panel” that MOD handmade into a big shopping bag. More than one visitor has expressed disappointment that the bags haven’t been produced for sale!
The exhibition’s tributes to San Francisco’s design history include a timeline (concept and execution by Chen Design Associates) presenting a semi-random sampling of iconic images in many media, from the 40s to the 90s. A vitrine displays antiquarian books in homage to the fine letterpress printers who were, in a sense, the City’s first designers. Another vitrine displays the early 60s packaging wit and wizardry of Marget Larsen and Joe Hong, the design genies for Joseph Magnin (JM to locals). And last, but definitely not least, a “Wall of Walter” panel presents some of Landor Associates’ most recognized logos and campaigns.
The featured designers are: Philippe Becker (Philippe Becker Design), Jennifer Bostic (Paper Plane Studio), Adam Brodsley and Eric Heiman (Volume Inc.), Josh Chen (Chen Design Associates), Thomas Ingalls (Ingalls Design), Jennifer Jerde et al (Elixir Design), Mitchell Mauk (Mauk Design), Sara Schneider (Chronicle Books), Michael Schwab (Michael Schwab Studio), Christopher Simmons (MINE), Barbara Vick (Barbara Vick Design), Cinthia Wen (NOON).
Photo credits: 1-3 Michael Osborne, 4 © Stuart Schwartz
