Celebrating Labor Day

Ralph Fasanella, Daily News Strike. Found in John Foster’s column Signs of Labor

Labor Day, a day in which Americans celebrate work and honor business owners. To join in we’re highlighting some of our contributors who’ve written or spoken about their jobs.

We highly suggest you browse Debbie Millman’s Design Matters podcast archive and listen to designers you know (and those you don’t) talk about their work and what inspires them.  

When Less Was More
Jessica Helfand’s short recollection of her days as a graphic design slave.

Child Labor
Steven Heller’s first job is a tale of child labor.

What I’ve Learned
After 35 years working for the same company, WGBH in Boston, legendary design director Chris Pullman reveals the ten things he learned.

The Trip From Bountyful
Ralph Caplan on his first job: staff writer on a putatively satirical magazine just being formed.

The Light
How a job operating a searchlight while in college influenced Alexander Isley’s approach to design.

I Was A Mad Man
Mad Men takes place in 1960. Just seventeen years later, William Drenttel went to work at an ad agency and became a Mad Man. This is his story…

Designing, Writing, Teaching: Not My Real Job
In this funny and entertaining video Michael Bierut outlines all of the little decisions that led him to the work that he is doing today.

And in case you’re having trouble with work, check out our Dear Bonnie archives. And if you have a question about your job, email DearBonnie@designobservercombigscoots-stagingcom-cn.b.tempurl.cc.