Events
“Creating the Hero”: The Evolution of a Graphic Style
with Michael Schwab
Explore 50 years of a legendary designer’s approach to his work through sketches, models, and stories that reveal the power of ink on paper.
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During this special Live at the Archive event, graphic artist Michael Schwab will showcase and discuss his uniquely bold approach to visual communication while unveiling his new book, Creating the Hero. He will share preliminary sketches, Polaroid photos of models, and behind-the-scenes stories of both successes and failures from his journey working with an extraordinary roster of clients, including Levi Strauss & Co., Amtrak, Winter Olympic Games, Pebble Beach, Robert Redford, and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
For five decades, Michael’s work has helped define the visual culture of the American West by transforming cultural icons into enduring visual statements through dramatic silhouettes and powerful simplicity.
Copies of Creating the Hero will be available for purchase.
Michael Schwab
From his studio in Marin County, Michael Schwab has earned a reputation as one of America’s most recognized and best loved graphic artists. He has created logos and posters for a remarkable list of clients, including Robert Redford, Amtrak, Major League Baseball, the San Francisco Opera and, most notably, the Golden Gate National Parks.
His work is easily recognized by his signature use of large, flat areas of color, dramatic perspectives and bold, graphic portraits often communicating a message of ecological and historic preservation. His work is striking in its simplicity.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, working cattle on horseback, fishing and hunting, Michael gained an early appreciation and respect for the land ― experiences that would seep into and help shape his mature artwork. Michael attended East Texas State University in 1970, studying design and illustration. He followed this with New York’s School of Visual Arts, while living at the Chelsea Hotel. Leaving New York, Michael made his way to California and the Art Center College of Design where he received a degree in graphic design.
Despite his bi-coastal influences Michael never forgot his roots. Instead he embraced his heritage through heroic portrayals of the people and places that typify the American West.
