I Heart Milton Glaser

            Milton Glaser is an artist most known for his graphic designs. He became fond of graphic design because he wanted to create work that people would see- he didn’t want his work to be hung in a museum necessarily, but he wanted it to be out in the public eye. Besides graphic design, Milton also loves to draw. In the documentary, he explained drawing as a way of understanding the world. Throughout his life he has also done work with service journalism, typography, and Push Pin. Milton is very versatile, working with many different kinds of styles and types of art. He does not like to be tied down to a style because he doesn’t want people to start expecting things from him- He doesn’t want to become encapsulated in it.

            Milton loves to create art that is pleasurable to him and to society. One of Milton’s favorite quotes is from ancient critic and poet, Horace, who said, “The purpose of art is to inform and delight.” In the documentary, Milton stated that he has been struggling with his own definition of art for all of his life, but this is the best purpose for art that he can think of. He believes that there may not be a true definition for art because people are always redefining art. Milton best defines art as an instrument for social enhancement, where artists are always creating commonality so people can relate to something. He sees design as a cultural value and a way of perceiving the world. Much of his work is focused on shaping how to communicate clearly throughout society.

            Milton also explained that, with art, “We should always operate by interruption”. Without interruption, things would not get done, or take longer to get done. In the documentary, Milton was interrupted while on the phone so he could read a paragraph to his coworker. During this time he was also making a sketch. This interruption is not considered rude or unruly, but is a means of getting things done and being in the moment. In art, some of the best ideas are always thought up in tight situations or on the spot. Operating with interruption allows for good ideas to never go unheard or unanswered.