Marketing, Sales and Communications

Debbie Millman on Branding Design Matters and Personal Work

Debbie Millman is one of the most influential graphic designers working today. She’s also an author, teacher, and brand strategist, and the chief marketing officer for Sterling Brands. She is responsible for the redesigns of over 200 global brands, including Pepsi and Kraft.

In this exclusive interview from the 2015 AIGA Design Conference, our own Kristin Ellison sits down with Debbie for a discussion of her award-winning podcast, Design Matters, her approach to rebranding (which starts with the “why”), and the attitude toward branding in the social media age. They also talk about truth telling in branding and the power of education, which led Debbie to cofound the Masters in Branding Program at the School of Visual Arts with Steven Heller. Debbie also reveals advice to her younger self; talks about the inspiration for her books, Look Both Ways: Illustrated Essays on the Intersection of Life and Design and Self Portrait as Your Traitor; and her deep connection to New York City.

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