Advertising Art Director

George Lois

George Lois (1931-present) was a Greek-American designer, advertising art director, and artist born during the Great Depression. The economic condition eventually improved, allowing him to pursue a career as a graphic designer. The ’50s, when his work was most prominent, had minimalistic designs that were simple yet impactful that could withstand the test of time. His work reflected this style and helped him gain recognition for his contributions to advertising as an art director.

He was most well known for his work on the Esquire magazines that always featured unconventional and fresh ideas. One that stood out to me the most was the cover he made, commenting on the crisis in Vietnam in 1962.

“Only with absolute fearlessness can we slay the dragons of mediocrity that invade our gardens.”
― George Lois

Another distinct work is the billboard advertisement he made for Tommy Hilfiger when he was starting his career. Lois made an outrageous advertisement that made everybody wonder who the next new men’s designer was.

His work was truly unforgettable and changed the value of a magazine cover at the time.

“George Lois’ Esquire cover depicting Sonny Liston as America’s first black Santa…is one of the greatest social statements of the plastic arts since Picasso’s Guernica.”

TIME MAGAZINE