Paula Scher: The OG Graphic Design Queen Who Redefined Branding
Discover how Paula Scher, the queen of graphic design, revolutionized branding with bold typography and iconic visuals. From The Public Theater to global brands like Citibank & MoMA, her work is pure creative genius. Dive into her story, watch her in action, and grab her must-read book: Paula Scher: Twenty-Five Years at the Public: A Love Story. 🎨🔥
Paula Scher: The OG Graphic Design Queen Who Redefined Branding
If you’ve ever walked past a bold, in-your-face theater poster in NYC, seen a sleek museum logo, or used a Citibank card, chances are you’ve already encountered the work of Paula Scher—the graphic design powerhouse who’s been shaping visual culture for decades.
This woman is not just a designer; she’s a legend. From designing album covers for CBS Records to redefining what branding means for global corporations, museums, and cultural institutions, Scher has done it all.
And if you’re a design nerd (or just appreciate badass creativity), her book, Paula Scher: Twenty-Five Years at the Public: A Love Story is a must-read. It’s the ultimate deep dive into her iconic work with The Public Theater—a love letter to typography, branding, and artistic evolution.
Paula Scher’s Creative Glow-Up
Like every millennial who doodled on their high school notebooks and dreamed of making art for a living, Paula Scher started young. She was the go-to poster designer for her school, laying the groundwork for what would become an insane career.
She later went on to work at CBS Records, where she designed over 150 album covers a year (no big deal, right?). Her work helped define the look and feel of the music industry in the ‘70s and ‘80s. And while streaming might’ve killed the album cover game, her influence still lives on.
But where she really left her mark? Branding. Scher took corporate and cultural branding to the next level, creating identities for The Public Theater, the MoMA, the High Line, The Met Opera, Citibank, Tiffany & Co., and so many more.
She turned branding into an art form—one that’s bold, expressive, and impossible to ignore.
The Public Theater: A Love Story in Typography
If there’s one project that screams Paula Scher, it’s The Public Theater in NYC.
Back in the ‘90s, she took what was just another struggling theater and gave it an identity that felt as loud and vibrant as New York itself. Bold typography. Edgy graphics. A sense of movement and chaos that just worked.
The branding was so successful that it basically set the tone for modern theater posters. Even today, Scher’s signature style can be seen across the city.
Her book Paula Scher: Twenty-Five Years at the Public: A Love Story breaks down her creative process, design philosophy, and the evolution of this iconic work. If you love design (or just appreciate dope visuals), you’ll be obsessed.
The Netflix Feature & Paula’s Take on Design
If you want to get inside Scher’s brain and see her process in action, check out Netflix’s Abstract: The Art of Design—it has a whole episode dedicated to her. It’s like a masterclass in creative thinking and proof that good design isn’t just about making things pretty; it’s about telling a story.
And if you’re more of a YouTube person, this video is a must-watch:
🎥 Paula Scher — 25 Years at The Public: A Love Story
Why Paula Scher is Still the GOAT
Paula Scher isn’t just an incredible designer; she’s a pioneer. She took something as simple as typography and turned it into a powerhouse of visual identity. She’s worked with some of the biggest brands in the world, redefined how we think about logos and branding, and—most importantly—she never stopped pushing boundaries.
So, whether you’re an aspiring designer, a creative entrepreneur, or just someone who appreciates cool design, Paula Scher’s work is 100% worth diving into.
And if you want the inside scoop on her most iconic project, grab Paula Scher: Twenty-Five Years at the Public: A Love Story. Your coffee table (and your brain) will thank you.
🔥 What’s your favorite Paula Scher design? Drop it in the comments!
XOXO or whatever. 😘
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Â