In Memory of Saul Bass

Saul Bass (1920 – 1996)

It’s April and immediately several thoughts jump to mind. One in particular is of an artistic genius whose 14th anniversary of death is approaching: Saul Bass. With his achievements dull screen titles of film’s cast and crew members were over and done with. Until then screen titles were considered to be of little importance and had been produced carelessly. But, with Saul Bass‘s breathtaking work, for flicks such as Hitchcock‘s Vertigo, the audience was experiencing the ultra rush, from the very first minute to the very last.

Vertigo – Film Poster

However, Saul Bass did not only collaborate with filmmakers such as the master of suspense, Billy Wilder, and Martin Scorsese. He is also known as one of the greatest graphic designers of the mid – 20th century.

Born in New York, in 1920, drawing was one of his early passions. After studying at the Arts Students League and the Brooklyn College he began working as a freelance graphic designer – back then known as „commercial artists“.

Saul had his break through with a design for Otto Preminger‘s movie poster.  Soon after his portfolio included knockout corporate identity designs for major companies such as United Airlines, AT&T, Minolta, Kleenex, and Warner Communications. Unfortunately Saul Bass passed away on April 25th 1996, but his legacy remains and from it our viewing pattern benefits on a regular basis.

Logos designed by Saul Bass (FLTR: AT&T Bell System, Minolta, United Airlines, Avery International)