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RIP, Vaughn Oliver
With @jameslileks‘ remembrance of Syd Mead and Neil Innes, I must note the passing of one of my favorites, Vaughn Oliver. As I worked my way through college, I started a graphic design studio, creating posters for local bands, logos for start-ups, and newsletters for churches and other non-profits. All the while, I was listening to bands on the British record label 4AD and gawking at their genius covers. Nearly all were designed by Oliver.
If Picasso was right when he said, “good artists borrow, great ones steal,” I was one of the greatest, thanks to Mr. Oliver and his studios, Envelope 23 and v23. His combination of photography, typography, and images drawn from the lyrics enhanced 4AD’s moody, ethereal offerings. I got into a few of my favorite bands of the ’80s and ’90s thanks to his incredible covers. More than once I pored through the CD racks, saw his design, and thought, oh, this has to be good.
A sampling of the work that defined my college days and beyond:
Rest in peace, Mr. Oliver, and please forgive my poor attempts at pilfering your style.
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