George Lois

American graphic designer

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July 16, 2026

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George Lois was an influential American graphic designer known for his bold and direct visual statements. Working primarily in New York City during the mid-20th century, Lois synthesized modern art concepts into expressive designs. He is particularly recognized for his work on over 90 covers for Esquire magazine in the 1960s, where he utilized powerful photographs and photomontages to create succinct editorial commentary on American society and politics. Lois also began his career at the advertising agency Doyle Dane Bernbach, contributing to a creative revolution in advertising through witty headlines and clever visual imagery. His approach, characterized by engaging simplicity, made a significant impact on graphic design and advertising.1

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graphic design
Postwar graphic design in the United States
…at Doyle Dane Bernbach was George Lois, whose works were engagingly simple and direct. Lois went on to design over 90 covers for Esquire magazine in the 1960s. He used powerful photographs and photomontages, usually by Carl Fischer, to make succinct editorial statements about the United States. These designs acted…
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…at Doyle Dane Bernbach was George Lois, whose works were engagingly simple and direct. Lois went on to design over 90 covers for Esquire magazine in the 1960s. He used powerful photographs and photomontages, usually by Carl Fischer, to make succinct editorial statements about the United States. These designs acted…
Read More