Design Heroes

Design heroes: An introduction by Petrula Vrontikis

“When the student is ready, the teacher appears,” say the Taoists.

To find out more, I asked 15 top graphic designers to tell us about their mentors and those who have influenced them over the years. Their stories confirm that we don’t necessarily seek out these cherished relationships, but rather prepare for them.

School teaches us to learn, so these relationships often occur during our studies or a few years after graduating. We are primed for participating, observing, questioning, discerning and absorbing. Spending time beyond the boundaries of the classroom gives us a peek behind the curtains to view what really makes others tick. It’s a privileged place—we often see passion, enthusiasm, commitment and disappointment. We are allowed to witness another’s frailties as well as their strengths.

The relationships described in the following stories range from mentor, to relative, to hero. Many of those who inspire us have no idea of their ongoing influence on our work, ideas and creative process. We can learn from almost anyone we work with or admire, but a mentorship is a two-way street, where equal respect for each other’s knowledge and differences enter into it. Mentor relationships are challenging and satisfying for both parties.

What emerges is an unexpected synergy that can stay with us throughout our life. It gently nudges us as encouragement to mentor others and seek ways to pass on what we’ve learned.

- Petrula Vrontikis

Source: http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/design-heroes