Ivan Chermayeff

Date of Birth: June 6, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: December 3, 2017

Biography

Ivan Chermayeff was an influential American graphic designer, illustrator, and artist known for his iconic logo designs and contributions to the field of visual communications. Born in London, England, Chermayeff moved to the United States where he studied at Harvard University, the Institute of Design in Chicago, and the Yale School of Art. Along with Tom Geismar, he co-founded the design firm Chermayeff & Geismar in 1957, which later became Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv. The firm is renowned for creating some of the most recognizable logos in corporate America, including those for NBC, PBS, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and Mobil Oil. Chermayeff’s work is characterized by its simplicity, boldness, and effectiveness in conveying a brand’s identity. Over his career, he received numerous awards and accolades, including the AIGA Gold Medal in 1979 and the National Design Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2014. Ivan Chermayeff passed away on December 3, 2017, but his legacy continues to influence the design world.

5 Interesting Facts about Ivan Chermayeff

1. Ivan Chermayeff designed the iconic logo for the Smithsonian Institution, which features a sunburst.

2. He was a prolific collage artist and had several exhibitions showcasing his personal artwork.

3. Chermayeff & Geismar designed the iconic NBC peacock logo, which is still in use today with minor modifications.

4. Ivan Chermayeff was the son of Serge Chermayeff, a noted Russian-born architect and co-founder of the Institute of Design in Chicago.

5. Among his many accolades, Chermayeff received the Yale Arts Medal and was inducted into the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ivan Chermayeff

1. “Design is directed toward human beings. To design is to solve human problems by identifying them and executing the best solution.”

2. “Logos are the graphic extension of the internal realities of a company.”

3. “The problem with computers is that there is not enough Africa in them.”

4. “A logo doesn’t need to say what a company does.”

5. “Simplicity is not the goal. It is the by-product of a good idea and modest expectations.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Ivan Chermayeff is not publicly documented, but his work and firm have been immensely influential and commercially successful.

Children

Ivan Chermayeff had four children: Catherine, Maro, Sasha, and Peter. His children have pursued various careers, some of which are in the creative and design fields.