Unveiling a Golden Archive: AIGA New York's 50-Year Design Journey
We're thrilled to dive into the fascinating world of AIGA New York's poster archive, a treasure trove of design history that spans five decades. Join us as we explore the thoughts and reflections of former AIGA NY presidents, Juliette Cezzar and Chelsea Goldwell, who offer unique insights into this incredible collection.
A Journey Through Time and Design
It's Nice That (INT): Which posters in this collection stand out to you, and why?
Chelsea Goldwell (CG): For me, it's the 'Fresh Dialogue' poster by Sagmeister. It brings back memories of a pivotal moment in my career, a shift towards a more organic, handmade aesthetic. But every poster here is a gem. Being part of the board and actively involved in event planning, I can't help but imagine these designers freely expressing themselves and having a blast. It's a joy to witness!
Juliette Cezzar (JC): I adore them all, especially the late '90s posters that optimistically explored the impact of computers on design aesthetics. Little did we know that this unique style would fade away, not due to outdated aesthetics, but because technology revolutionized communication. By the mid-2010s, every message had to adapt to every medium and scale, with Instagram and TikTok leading the way, prioritizing raw user-generated content and algorithm-driven strategies over time-intensive, talented creations.
This shift also erased regional design differences, where visual styles varied depending on whether you were in Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York. When I was at AIGA NY in the mid-2010s, we often discussed the meaning of 'NY' in design. Our answer? 'Making the City' - a diverse collection of projects that directly engaged and influenced various neighborhoods over several years.
The Spirit of Design in New York
INT: What does this archive reveal about the essence of design in New York? What makes its creative scene so unique?
CG: It's an inspiring, ambitious, and excellent showcase. New York attracts the world's best designers. The people here are constantly fueling their creative spirit through various activities - tinkering, writing, researching, collecting, discussing, and creating. It's an infectious and thrilling energy to be a part of.
JC: The design spirit here is all about freedom and collaboration. It's about doing what you want, with whom you want, for the audience that matters to you. This level of creative freedom is unique to New York, a city that isn't dominated by a single industry like LA or San Francisco. We have it all here - publishing, tech, finance, education, entertainment, hospitality - and every type of design studio, agency, consultancy, and shop.
CG: New Yorkers value design differently. It's not a luxury but a necessity. Design is a powerful tool for driving change and shaping culture, and New Yorkers have always recognized and embraced this potential.
