MFA Design’s co-founder and Chair Emeritus Steven Heller, along with faculty member Sue Walsh, kicked off the Milton Glaser lecture series by celebrating Glaser’s iconic work in the design world, discussing his professional creative practice, and sharing personal stories and anecdotes from their shared time together. Steven Heller was a friend and colleague of Milton’s for 30 years, wrote extensively about him, and co-authored Milton Glaser POP, 2022. Sue Walsh worked with Milton Glaser for almost a decade as a Senior Art Director. His philosophy of design and the legacy of his work continues to be the north star of the department, and for many designers working today.

I think that the part that surprised me most was the analog way he worked, without searching for references and creating an authentic piece. I (and pretty much most students around me) am used to getting design inspiration from design references, but after this lecture, I thought I would try to find inspiration from books or other areas of art. Also, I am used to creating things only digitally (even sketches) but I thought I could try to adopt the analog way of designing things. —Andrea Song (Class of 2026)

When I heard that Milton told Sue, “The act of making is the path to discovery,” I could not agree more. Though I was never much of a painter, I love drawing and sketching in pencil/pen, and when I work with my hands, something magical happens. Once an idea or a concept is “acted” on paper, it comes alive and takes shape in my creative mind. And that gets me going. —Youmin Choi (Class of 2026)