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Sixth in the series of interviews with people we know/have worked with/are inspiring, the man is a true design legend, Mr Wim Crouwel. I first came across Wims work on the Joy Division compilation cover 'Substance' (1988), the sleeve designed by Peter Saville featured a beautiful typeface one I assumed was designed by Saville. The typeface it turned out was not Saville's but by Wim Crouwel, the typeface was 'New Alphabet'. A few years later whilst at tDR Ian (Anderson) brought a book into the studio that he bought on a business trip, the work, by Wim Crouwel (and Total Design) was mind boggling, the book 'Mode en Module' (1997). Nicky & I were very privileged to be invited to dinner with Wim by Aidan Grennelle (Creative Director, Image Now) in Dublin. I remember vividly having a drink with him in the bar before we all walked to the restaurant, the conversation during dinner, it's one of those things in your career that you'll never forget. The humility and generous spirit of the man was a joy, and they say never meet your heroes. We also did a small interview with him the next day which can be read here. In 2011 I was invited by The Design Museum to do a Pecha Kucha. As the Design Museum's Wim Crouwel (A Graphic Odyssey) exhibition was closing that weekend each speaker was given Wim as it's theme. I spoke about my inspirations as a designer, using Mr Crouwel as a counterpoint.
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Some of my favourites of Wim's work—
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*Vormgevers
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*Typo Vision International
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*Jonge Engelse Beeldhouwers
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*Claes Oldenburg
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*New Alphabet catalogue
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Getting to know (#006) — Wim Crouwel.
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Build: Please tell us a little about who you are and what you do.
Wim Crouwel: I am a graphic designer who is getting older and, after a workaholic life, doesn't do that much anymore.
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B: How did you get to this point in time?
WC: Along an interesting road where I met dear clients who accepted my proposals. I owe them a lot.
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B: Where are you based?
WC: In Amsterdam, a very design friendly city.
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B: Does where you live/work inform you as a person?
WC: The environment where I work is most important.
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B: What is your favourite piece of your own work and why is it your favourite?
WC: My most important piece of work is the publication of my 'New Alphabet' in 1967. It became well known and was determining for a long period of my life. For instance my work for the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam was for a long time influenced by this way of thinking. See my poster 'Vormgevers'.
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B: Three words that sum up you and your attitude to what you do?
WC: Clearness, gridnik, structure.
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B: Describe your style?
WC: Structurism.
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B: What kind of music do you listen to?
WC: Minimal and modern music; Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt.
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B: What is your most played track in iTunes?
WC: I am not on iTunes.
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B: What is your favourite piece of art?
WC: 'Victory Boogie Woogie' (1942-1944) of Piet Mondrian.
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B: Where were you last happiest?
WC: At home with my family.
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B: What makes you smile?
WC: A wonderful piece of art or design.
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B: Your house is on fire, your family is safe, what do you save?
WC: My Red/Bleu/Yellow chair of Rietveld.

Thanks Wim!

Note(s)/Link(s)
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Wim Crouwel / Joy Division compilation cover 'Substance' (1988) / Peter Saville / 'New Alphabet' / Ian (Anderson) / Total Design / 'Mode en Module' / Image Now / Pecha Kucha / Wim Crouwel (A Graphic Odyssey) / Stedelijk Museum / Philip Glass / Arvo Pärt / 'Victory Boogie Woogie' (1942-1944) of Piet Mondrian / Red/Bleu/Yellow chair / Rietveld.