rick landesberg

Rick Landesberg studied painting at the University of the Arts and Central St. Martins College of Art in London, but traded fine arts for fine typography and clear communication shortly after graduation. "From the first moment I started practicing graphic design, I've appreciated learning a little about a lot of things," said Landesberg. "In 30 years, that hasn't changed." He launched Landesberg Design in 1982. The Pittsburgh-based graphic design firm creates branding and identity programs, signage and environmental graphics, exhibits, publications, websites and other forms of visual communication. Landesberg's clients reflect his interest in assisting those institutions and organizations whose efforts uplift, inspire, educate and delight: The Heinz Endowments, the Rockefeller Foundation, the United Nations, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Carnegie Mellon University, Kenyon College and The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Landesberg Design's work has been honored with recognition from AIGA, the New York Art Directors Club, Graphis, Communication Arts, PRINT, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, the American Association of Museums, the University and College Designers Association and the Council on Foundations. Landesberg has lectured on design issues both nationally and abroad and was a founding member and board member of AIGA Pittsburgh. He served as an adjunct associate professor of design at Carnegie Mellon University for 15 years.

Is graphic design a growth industry? I think the field is becoming broader, inviting more cross-disciplinary collaboration and pushing into new areas. Designers are moving beyond the traditional communication tools and methods to explore new forms and vehicles. New creative disciplines are likely to emerge, and the global cross-pollination that is so effortless today will speed the process. It's an exciting and positive outlook.

Do graphic designers have a special responsibility to promote a green society? Designers have always been good at connecting the dots. Good design equals appropriate, responsible design, and the distance between that traditional mindset and today's green solutions is slight. Clients are beginning to understand this and often invite or agree to solutions that minimize environmental impacts. Designers can promote green solutions fairly easily, so why not do so?