Paula Scher Receives Special President’s Award from D&AD
The Pentagram partner is honored with a special once-in-a-decade award timed to D&AD’s 60th anniversary.
Pentagram partner Paula Scher has been selected by D&AD to receive its Special President’s Award, a special version of its lifetime achievement award highlighting industry heroes for their creative contribution. The honorary 10-year edition of the accolade, chosen by D&AD’s board once every decade, was awarded to Scher in recognition of her advocacy for design excellence and originality.
D&AD Trustee Jack Renwick said: “Paula Scher has been at the top of her game for 50 years. The fearless simplicity of her work has made unknown brands iconic and iconic brands epic. When asked who epitomizes creative excellence and should receive this award, the board came back with one name—Paula.”
Trustee and former D&AD President and Pentagram partner emeritus Naresh Ramchandani added: “Paula is in her 32nd year at Pentagram, and continues to practice, teach and advocate for design excellence and originality with all her heart. Although Paula has worked for all shapes and sizes of clients, her Public Theater work is a 27-year masterclass in what bold and beautiful graphics can do for the reputation and success of a cultural organization—and for me, this wonderful project is worthy of the award alone. I once watched her review the work of her team in NY and it was such a joy to see—instructive and decisive but done with real warmth and affection.”
The award was presented alongside the launch of this year’s D&AD Annual at “Still Learning LIve,” a one-day, in-person symposium hosted by D&AD President Rebecca Wright. The Special President’s Award was previously given to British graphic designer Derek Birdsall in 2012 for the organization’s 50th anniversary. This year’s recipient of D&AD’s Annual President’s Award is Saki Mafundikiwa, the Zimbabwean graphic designer and educator.
