Gail Anderson’s promotional poster designs have stolen the spotlight from some of Broadway’s most famous shows. As the Creative Director of Design at SpotCo from 2002 through 2010, Gail developed stunning identities for iconic plays like Avenue Q, La Cage and Ragtime. Gail’s work has garnered her star status in the design world. Most notably, she was the recipient of the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Medal from the AIGA and the 2009 Richard Gangel art direction award from the Society of Illustrators. She continues her contributions to the dialogue of design by co-authoring (with Steven Heller) the upcoming New Modern Type, as well as New Ornamental Type, New Vintage Type, Astounding Photoshop Effects, American Typeplay, The Savage Mirror, and Graphic Wit. See what happens when Gail takes the stage in today’s 10 ANSWERS.
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Loud (sometimes too loud).
Detailed (to the point of obsessive at times).
Witty (I hope).
2. Who is your creative role model?
I use Paula Scher’s ever-evolving career as the benchmark for who I’d like to be as a designer. She keeps it fresh and full of surprises year after year.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I’m afraid I’d just end up watching more TV, though I should say that I’d use that time to go to the gym.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
I spent some time in Italy last year, and it just blew me away. I haven’t traveled much outside the country unless it’s work-related, and that’s a huge mistake. It’s important to see the world just for the sake of it, and not just to judge a competition or do a lecture. I took pictures and was a complete tourist, and that just felt great. I returned refreshed and inspired. And of course, ready to eat Italian food every day.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Well, I’m trying to do a different job now. I’m working on my own for the first time ever (gailycurl.com, thanks to my friend Josh Hester), and attempting to start writing more. So ask me in a few months, and maybe my “different job” will be behind the register at Target. But in all seriousness, I always wondered what it would be like to be a doctor. But that will never happen because I have absolutely no affinity for math or science, and I’m getting a bit long in the tooth to be an intern.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
I used to make mosaic boxes and force them on anyone who’d have them. I thought it was a great gift, but I’m not sure how the recipients felt.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
I have a few childhood items that I’m still hanging on to, like my Jackson 5 scrapbook, and a copy of The Magic Castle (one of my first books that I didn’t have to share with my sister). Those would be right up there. Oh, and I have a portrait—of me—that Paul Davis did for the Society of Illustrators. I’m still awe-struck by having a Paul Davis painting, though it’s a little freaky that it’s ME.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Go to sleep.”—Nola Anderson (my mother)
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
You know, I can’t say that I look at anything regularly for inspiration. My students and former co-workers have shown me some great stuff, but I’m still a book person. My apartment is like a scary library.
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
I think it’s only finished when the deadline is hovering.
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