Joseph Selame, Designer of Corporate Logos, Dies at 86

Elinor and Joe SelameAlthough I only worked at Selame Design for a short time (1984-1985), I felt fortunate to work with one of graphic design's modern pioneers. I still have a clear mental picture of Joe standing next to his roll-top desk, dressed in his Thayer Pharmacy lab coat (he was the self-proclaimed "doctor of design"), sucking on his his pipe.

Graphic Design History Check: At the time, we were developing corporate identities using rubdown type and a stat camera. Yikes!

My first Christmas bonus included a 5 lb. bag of pistachios and a hand-drawn Joe Selame cartoon. My personalized version consisted of a caricature of me, shining the boss's shoes.

Working at Selame Design provided me with the opportunity to meet my wonderful wife, Selene, and longtime friends: David Ekizian and Michael Westcott.

Joe, rest in peace. Hopefully, your smile will always be in the Goodwill "G" and the little men in the Mutual Oil logo, will forever, be tipping their hats your way.

New York Times Obit

Posted via email from eymer's posterous