Women in design: celebrating five inspiring female designers
We’re always in awe of the amazing feats women pull off across various fields, and design is no exception. According to the 2019 AIGA Design Census, a whopping 61% of designers are women. Their creativity is everywhere—from products and spaces to experiences. Check out these five fabulous female designers we love:
Susan Kare
Susan Kare is a tech icon who revolutionized computer interface design in 1982 with the original Macintosh. Despite having no background in computer graphics, her skills in mosaics and pointillism brought us timeless icons like Lasso and Paint Bucket. Today, she leads a digital design practice in San Francisco and offers limited-edition fine-art prints.
Tomoko Miho
Known for her elegant and harmonious designs, Tomoko Miho has mastered posters, logos, and architectural signage. Her work, praised for its subtle complexity, is a testament to her artistic eye. Miho's influence is felt in renowned institutions such as MoMA and the Library of Congress, inspiring designers worldwide.
Dorothy Hayes
In the 1960s, Dorothy Hayes championed Black designers with her influential "Black Artist in Graphic Communication" exhibition in NYC. Featuring 49 artists, including Dorothy Akubuiro and Josephine Jones, the exhibit paved the way for diversity in commercial art. Hayes continued her advocacy through Dorothy's Door, promoting inclusivity and opportunity in design.
Bea Feitler
Bea Feitler made waves as the art director of Harper's Bazaar and co-founder of Ms. magazine in the 1960s and '70s. Her bold editorial designs, highlighting feminist and political themes, reshaped the landscape of fashion magazines. Despite not receiving due recognition, Feitler's impact on women's issues and representation in media remains profound.
Ilonka Karasz
Ilonka Karasz left an indelible mark on 20th-century design across textiles, furniture, and graphic arts. Her career spanned over six decades, influencing everything from interior design to magazine covers. Karasz's avant-garde illustrations for the New Yorker are iconic, reflecting her innovative spirit and lasting impact on American design.
These women have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also paved the way for future generations of designers. Their creativity, vision, and advocacy for inclusivity have reshaped design industries and continue to inspire creativity and diversity today.
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