Graphic designer Michael Bierut visited Texas Tech as part of the DJ Stout Distinguished Speaker Series on Wednesday to show his passion for graphic design and the lessons he learned throughout his childhood and career.
He also spoke to students in the College of Art Wednesday afternoon and acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with a career in graphic design.
“If you’re studying something creative like design, you’re sort of really trying to imagine what success looks like,” Bierut said, “and you want confirmation that the things that are exciting to you at the moment will continue to be exciting after you’re working professionally.”
Bierut is originally from Ohio but has spent most of his career in New York City, where he has worked as partner at the Pentagram Design Firm since 1990.
His most notable work includes the “H” for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, the Mastercard logo and The New York Times signage on 8th Avenue.
Rolled posters of graphic designer Michael Bierut’s work sits inside the International Culture Center for attendees to take home following the event Feb. 26, 2025.
DJ Stout, a partner at the Pentagram office in Austin and “acclaimed” Tech alumni,according to Texas Tech Now, said he was excited Bierut decided to be the third presenter of the speaker series, which began in 2023.
“Michael’s really special because he’s more than just a Pentagram partner, and he’s really kind of a thought leader of the organization and has really helped to mold what Pentagram is today,” Stout said.
Stout and Bierut both work for Pentagram and have become close friends over the years.
The event, hosted at the International Cultural Center Auditorium, was free to the public with an RSVP.
Bierut shared his journey through a slide show presentation separated into three subcategories: Beauty is everywhere, There are no small jobs, and You’re never too old to be a protege.
Bierut credited collaborators who helped him create his memorable designs, specifically mentioning Jessica Svendsen, a woman who helped him design his popular Yale School of Architecture black and white posters.
Bierut traced his passion for design back to his childhood, referencing how he created a poster for a play at his middle school called “Wait Until Dark.” He said the experience kickstarted his enthusiasm for graphic design.
“You know the feeling when that thing is out there and people are seeing it. It’s just so exciting. I was thinking, ‘I really like art,’” Bierut said.
Bierut later worked under Italian designer Massimo Vingelli in the early stages of his career in New York. He said he learned what he liked and did not like about graphic design at this job while having a mentor who taught him everything he needed to know about graphic design.
Posters designed by graphic designer Michael Bierut comprised of his past work sit inside the International Culture Center for attendees of the Visions: DJ Stout Distinguished Speaker Series Feb. 26, 2025.
In November of 1990 at the age of 33, Bierut moved to Pentagram.
“The fun part about being a graphic designer is being able to engage with all the things in the world, learn about them and contribute to them,” Bierut said. “It’s about all kinds of different ways to solve the needs of all different clients at all sorts of different scales — big commercial clients, small nonprofits, things that have to do with the public, things that have to do with Congress.”
Every successful designer he knows, Bierut said, is someone who is genuinely excited when they get the opportunity to take what they do and to a foreign environment.
“In this school [Tech], if you’re an artist, if you’re a dance performer, designer, it’s a moment where you’ve come from a small town where you’re the only person who cares about the things you cared about, then suddenly you’re surrounded by people who share your interest,” Bierut said. “I think that moment ends up really shaping who you are for the rest of your life.”
To conclude the presentation, Bierut presented a quote by Maya Angelou, reading, “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot. It’s all there.”
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