Black History Month: Daily Updates

Georg Olden (1920-1975) - Graphic Designer

Georg Olden was hired by CBS in 1945 to start a graphics department to design on-air television visuals for the new television division. At that time, television was not the mass communication and widely used medium that it has become. Though Olden eventually left CBS to become television group art director at BBDO advertising, he had a major impact on the early development of television broadcast graphics during his 15-year tenure at CBS. When first designing television graphics, there were limitations to what was possible due to the structure of early black and white sets. Keeping these limitations in mind, in addition to the short time span for which two-dimensional on-air graphics were shown — Olden created graphics to be at the most effective. The concepts were communicated quickly and concisely and graphics designed from the center out so that they were not cropped by the outer edges. Simplification of ideas into symbols, signs, and images was used effectively. Olden was the first African American to gain prominence as a graphic designer. This accomplishment is made all the more important by the fact that this was PRIOR to the civil rights movement, a time when very few African Americans held professional positions in America. He was also the first African American designer to be commissioned to design a United States Postage Stamp. The design — to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation — uses many of the same design principles he used in his on-air graphics. 

How does this person or historical event connect with our present? Our future? 

His cool, clean, and sleek design influence can still be seen in graphic design today. He changed the way people design television advertising.

Learn more

READ:

• “Georg Olden Breaks the Chain” - The Art Directors Club

LISTEN:

• “Georg Olden” - The Poster Boys podcast (90 min)

WATCH:

• Georg Olden on “I’ve Got a Secret” (5 min)

In their words

“As the first black American to achieve an executive position with a major corporation, my goal was the same as that of Jackie Robinson in baseball: to achieve maximum respect and recognition by my peers, the industry and the public, thereby hopefully expanding acceptance of, and opportunities for, future black Americans in business.”

Reflect

The books on the history of graphic design are filled with famous white men. Why is it important to study all of history's celebrated nationalities and races? Why do you think people of color are almost entirely excluded? Do you think people of color have to work twice as hard as their white peers?