NEW YORK—Massimo Vignelli, the mastermind behind the logos of American Airlines and United Colors of Benetton, is known as the “grandfather of graphic design.”
He is a problem-solver who finds solutions through innovative design; he is also the creator of New York’s iconic 1972 subway map. But the timeless works of Vignelli may not be the icons they are today if it weren’t for his strong discipline—and pure luck.
“I was really lucky to be born when I was born,” Vignelli said. “If I were born earlier, I might have died in the war. If I were born later, I would not have participated in the infrastructure work after war.”
He was born in Italy, 9 years before World War II. A typical day from Vignelli’s childhood consisted of going to school, hearing the bomb alarm go off, and running to a shelter. After the explosions passed, he would come out and play.
“Children grow up no matter what. They have a fabulous capacity to be above tragedies,” he said. Vignelli was not an unhappy child, but he did not know what joy was until he found design.
“I was happy from 16 on. From age 0 to 16, I was … I don’t know how I existed,” he said.
Vignelli first encountered the concept of design inside the home of his mother’s friend, who was an interior designer. There, he realized a design process existed in the making of everything in the world. He was captivated by the idea.
With an insatiable hunger, he began reading all the design books and magazines he could get his hands on.
“I began reading, and then drawing furniture, thinking of what I want in my room; but of course they weren’t any good because I didn’t have any background,” he said.
Although it is undeniable that Vignelli has a natural talent for design, he insists it wouldn’t have gone anywhere without education.
“There are helpful books, and there are books that put you astray,” he said. “Designers need good mentors, same as in music or literature.”
