I read a comment about Lance Wyman’s zoo graphics yesterday, and realised it’s been ages since I’ve seen them. His Mexico Olympic ’68 and his zoo graphics where the first pieces of design that I fell in love with. Their simplicity and impact are just fantastic.
Wyman specialises in directional, signage systems and branding. Early on in his career he created the identity, signage systems & symbols, for the Mexico ’68 Olympics and the Mexico ’70 World Cup, as well as developing a system for the Mexico City Metro.
In 1971 Wyman teamed up with Bill Cannan to form, Wyman & Cannan. A New York studio where they worked successfully creating iconic signage systems, including the above one for the Minnesota Zoo (one of my personal favourites), until 1979 when Wyman started his own studio, Lance Wyman Ltd.
There is a great interview with Wyman on Web Esteem where he discusses his design process and thoughts on his work.Also, if you want to see more of his graphics check out his website which true to form, is simple and informative. His graphics look even better small and in black and white – the ultimate test of a good logo.
PS. Lance, if you are reading this - we need a retrospective exhibition in the UK - please!
All images and graphics copyright Lance Wyman Ltd.
5 comments:
They are are brilliant. It only makes me realise how truly awful the London Olympic logo is!
I know, I just can't look at it.
Just amazing! Great example of information design.
Is there any book/publication on his work that you would recommend me?
I just found a really interesting interview with Lance Wyme that has been published in Creative Review where he is speaking about the 2010 Olympic games branding. I thought it would be nice to share it with other aficionados.
here is the link:
http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2007/june/2012-logo-lance-wyman-says-give-it-a-chance#feedback
Hey Gala, thanks for the link I must have missed that when it was on the CR Blog. I wish they had commissioned him to do the 2012 branding and information graphics.
I don't know of any publications specifically about Wyman's work, but surely the design world is crying out for one. I do remember when I was a junior designer there was a very large copy of Trademarks and Symbols of the World that had some of the zoo signage in the back which was the first time I'd seen them, but I've never since been able to find the right version.
Sorry I can't be of more help. Thanks for stopping by :)
Just to let you know I have just recently curated a small exhibition with Lance here in Norwich at the NUCA Gallery. here is the details http://www.nuca.ac.uk/thegallery hope you get to come along.
Sadly Lance went back to NYC this morning.
Finola
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