Eddie Opara Joins Paula Scher and the Pentagram Gang
There are countless designers whose work moves me. Amongst them, there is Paula Scher. I will presume you know her, or at the least her work. It’s her supposedly ballsy approach to design that seems to separate her from the others. She’s not one of those “fuck you” designers like David Carson or Rick Smith (of Tomato) that gets to work on many of the kool lifestyle and entertainment gigs. Instead she works with the likes of banks, schools and non-profits.
Recently, however, I’ve come across another designer in which I think I will admire. He’s Eddie Opara. Like Scher, it’s not his body of work that gains my admiration, but instead his approach to what can easily fall into the boring bin. Their work remind me design can’t be boring if you don’t let it be. He’s also a nifty speaker. Watch his talk at the Walker Art Center when you get a chance.
Like Scher, he is now a partner at Pentagram. His addition continues Pentagram’s tradition of working with designers that are more than about aesthetics. The partners are a great sample of how design can influence culture no matter what medium or audience. When walking by their Flatiron office, I feel as if I’ve just passed by the Hall of Justice and inside are super heroes protecting the world from evil design. With the addition of Opara, I’m sure evil design will always be put in its place.
And before I sign off, imagine this… Opara and Scher collaboration!
