In the 1950’s, Graphic Designer and Filmmaker Saul Bass was highly well-known for his title sequences. As some would describe him, he was the ‘Picasso of commercial artists.’ He worked on many films, most notably The Man with a Golden Arm, Anatomy of a Murder, Psycho, and more.
Although he also created well-known logos for companies such as AT&T, Girl Scouts of America, and Quaker Oats, I think his impact on the film industry is much more widespread and popular than his other works. As an example, title sequences were rare before Bass popularized them. As Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts once said, “Saul Bass was that person everyone in the office admired. We all aspired that beautiful simplication.”
Many would attribute his iconic, simplistic style from his childhood when he drew, his mentor György Kepes, and his branding work for Madison Avenue. His works also prepared the audience for the mood and possible foreshadowing of the film. I also admire his use of shapes and type to tell a story effectively and simply. Combining all these elements together, I could easily distinguish his work from other designers which is what I believe makes a great artist and designer.