Steven Heller

What better way to explain famed art director, journalist, critic and author, Steven Heller’s attitude toward design than by the title of his latest book? Steven’s infinite love for design is evident in whatever creative hat he decides to wear. As an author, co-author, and editor of more than 100 books about the field, Steven has positioned himself as the definitive voice of a design generation. And to educate future generations, he co-founded the MFA Designer as Author Department at SVA, for which he is currently the co-chair. In case these accomplishments weren’t impressive enough, Steven was also an Art Director for the New York Times for more than 33 years, where he still writes the Visuals column for the New York Times Book Review. Anyone interested in the visual history and future of our world should read Steven Heller’s innumerable writings on the subject. You can start with his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Smart, silly, serious.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Lots of folks, but let’s say number one is my wife, Louise Fili.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
More of the same.

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
22nd Street between 1st and 2nd avenues. That’s where the SVA MFA Designer as Author studio is. Where my office is. And where some amazing students and faculty are.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Hmmmm. I could say cowboy, but your readers would think I was being too sarcastic. But, seriously, I’d be a cop. I once took the police exam and failed the physical requirement. But I actually have this idealistic view that people should be protected from harm, and cops are supposed to do that. But, real fact, maybe a fireman is more to that point. My life was once saved by a NYC fireman.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Nothing homemade. I like giving books.

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
It’s a toss-up between the DVD player and a mini-mannequin/point of purchase display from the 20s for Lumiere cameras.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Get paid up front. The next was “be yourself.”

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Honestly, none. I do, however, regularly go to Design Observer, NY Times, SVA MFA Design site, and the weather site.

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
When it is published.