Watch Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight

Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight is a documentary that explores the life and work of one of the most influential graphic designers of the 20th century. The film, directed by Wendy Keys, was released in 2008 and takes the viewer on a journey through Glaser's career, from his early days in New York City to his later years as a mentor to a new generation of designers.

The movie features interviews with Glaser himself as well as with those who have worked with him over the years, including fellow artists, writers, and designers. We learn about Glaser's upbringing in the Bronx and his early interest in art, which led him to attend the Cooper Union School of Art in Manhattan. There, he honed his craft and developed the design sensibilities that would become his trademark.

One of the defining moments of Glaser's career came in 1966, when he co-founded the design firm Push Pin Studios with three fellow Cooper Union graduates. The firm quickly became known for its bold, innovative approach to design and helped to define the visual language of the 1960s and 70s. Glaser's iconic Bob Dylan poster, which features a psychedelic portrait of the folk singer with bright, swirling colors, is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the era.

The film also delves into Glaser's role as a cultural commentator and his work as a designer for some of New York City's most beloved institutions. Glaser designed the iconic "I ♥ NY" logo in 1977 as part of a campaign to promote tourism in the state, and the design has become ubiquitous not just in New York but around the world. Other memorable projects include his redesign of New York Magazine in the 1960s and his work on the brand identity for Brooklyn Brewery in the 1990s.

Throughout the documentary, we get a sense of Glaser's boundless creativity and his deep commitment to social and political causes. He worked on numerous campaigns for social justice, including the anti-war movement and the fight against apartheid in South Africa. Glaser's work often tackled complex issues in a way that was both visually stunning and intellectually engaging.

Despite his success, Glaser remained humble throughout his career and always sought to mentor and inspire younger designers. The movie features interviews with a number of people who worked with Glaser as students or colleagues and who credit him with shaping their own artistic paths.

Ultimately, Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight is a celebration of a life well-lived and a career that has left an indelible mark on the world of design. The film gives us a glimpse into the mind of a true creative genius and reminds us of the power of design to shape our world in meaningful ways.

Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.