The graphic design industry experienced a boom post-World War II in the late 1940s through the 1950s. At this time, a style now referred to as mid-century modernism began to gain popularity throughout America. We now credit this style with well-known designers such as Paul Rand, Saul Glass, and Milton Glaser. There are, however, many influential designers of the time who are not recognized or appreciated for their contributions to the industry and the pivotal mid-century modern style. One of these designers is Elaine Lustig Cohen, who worked as a freelance designer in the 1950s and 1960s. Her work revolutionized modern book covers, yet she has rarely been credited for her impact on the industry. Graphic design has historically been a male-dominated field, and in the 1950s, it was almost unheard of for women to succeed in the field, especially as freelancers. Cohen beat all the odds stacked against her, and her influence on the mid-century modernism movement deserves to be recognized and celebrated. While she has received more recognition over the years, she is still often put in the shadow of her male peers. This paper will examine Cohen’s work and impact on the design industry as well as the lack of acknowledgment that the industry has afforded her over the years.
Elaine Lustig Cohen: The Forgotten Designer of the Mid-Century Modern Style
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