1953-July 24 2011
2000s to Today
Sylvia Harris was an African American Graphic Designer from Richmond, Virgina. Harris was an intelligent woman who had great energy and passion. She was studying with AIGA Medalist Philip B. Meggs at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she received a B.F.A. in 1975. She also studied at Yale University and graduated in 1980. After Yale she cofounded Two Twelve Associates with two other classmates where they worked on numerous projects together. As things got harder, she explored how to use all of the tools in a designer’s tool kit to create comprehensive public information systems. Her groundbreaking work in digital consumer banking systems for Citibank set an early standard for human-centered automated customer service. After leaving Two Twelve she started focusing on design planning and strategy. In the process of her focus, she was able to guide some of the nation’s largest hospitals, universities and civic agencies through systems planning, policy development and innovation management. Sylvia Harris was a woman who wanted to do the right thing, smart thing, and the thing that made a difference in people’s lives. I admire Sylvia because I hope that my work one day can make a positive difference in people’s lives. I also strive to do the right and smart thing as well.
Source: 2014 AIGA Medalist: Sylvia Harris | AIGA
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