AIGA Medalists

Designed by James Earle Fraser, 1920.

The medal of AIGA—the most distinguished in the field—is awarded to individuals in recognition of their exceptional achievements, services or other contributions to the field of design and visual communication. The contribution may be in the practice of design, teaching, writing or leadership of the profession. The awards may honor designers posthumously.

Medals have been awarded since 1920 to individuals who have set standards of excellence over a lifetime of work or have made individual contributions to innovation within the practice of design.

Individuals who are honored may work in any country, but the contribution for which they are honored should have had a significant impact on the practice of graphic design in the United States.

Meet the 2018 Medalists

• Aaron Douglas, recognized for pioneering a visual language as a graphic designer, artist, and educator that authentically celebrated black experience during the Harlem Renaissance.
• Arem Duplessis, recognized for his extraordinary work as a creative director whose integrated visual communications consistently and eloquently shape stories across multiple platforms, from The New York Times Magazine to Apple.
• Karin Fong, recognized for her groundbreaking work and mastery in the field of visual storytelling as a director and motion designer for more than twenty years at Imaginary Forces.
• Susan Kare, recognized for her bold and intelligent design of icons for the early Macintosh computers that defined the Apple user experience and set the industry standard with memorable wit and humanity.
• Victor Moscoso, recognized for originating an enduring graphic style instrumental in defining both Underground Comix and the psychedelic rock posters of the 60s, and their indelible impact on American culture.
  

Recommend a Medalist

Do you have a colleague or mentor who has made a significant impact on the practice of design in the United States? Nominate him or her for the AIGA Medal!

The 2019 Medalists will be announced in February and will be recognized at the AIGA Design Conference in Pasadena, California Saturday, April 6, 2019. Watch this space and follow @AIGAdesign for updates.

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