Esteemed Graphic Designer and Educator Gail Anderson Named Chair of BFA Design and BFA Advertising Departments at School of Visual Arts

August 1, 2019, New York, NY—School of Visual Arts (SVA) President David Rhodes has announced the appointment of Gail Anderson as chair of the College’s BFA Design and BFA Advertising departments, effective August 1, 2019. Anderson will succeed Richard Wilde, who is retiring after 50 years at SVA.

An honored and admired member of the SVA community, Anderson is an alumnus (BFA 1984 Media Arts) and recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, a 30-year faculty member of BFA Design and creative director of the Visual Arts Press, the College’s award-winning design studio, a role she will continue.

“The design industry has evolved—and even transformed itself—in the last decade in ways that present tremendous opportunities for SVA students,” said Anderson. “I’m excited to lead at the school that took a chance on me as a student, and then put its faith in me as a faculty member and creative director. Following in Richard’s footsteps is both humbling and absolutely thrilling.”

Anderson’s contributions to the professional design world include exemplary work as senior art director of Rolling Stone, creative director of design for SpotCo, partner of Anderson Newton Design and creative director of Visual Arts Press. Her work has been recognized by organizations including the Art Directors Club, the Society of Publication Designers and the Type Directors Club. She has also written or co-authored 14 books on type, design and illustration, including The Logo Design Idea Book (2019), Type Tells Tales (2017) and Outside the Box: Hand-Drawn Packaging from Around the World (2015).

Last fall, Anderson was awarded the National Design Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. She is the first African American and the third woman to receive this honor. Anderson is also a recipient of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Medal for Lifetime Achievement and a member of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee for the United States Postal Service. She holds an honorary doctorate from Pennsylvania College of Art and Design.

The BFA Design program at SVA comprises more than 800 students, more than 100 faculty and 142 courses encompassing branding, advertising, editorial, packaging, UI/UIX, and 3D design. The curriculum focuses on teaching visual communication problem solving and offers three concentrations: Graphic Design, Motion Graphics and 3D Design.

The BFA Advertising program at SVA comprises more than 160 students, more than 30 faculty, and 29 courses in areas such as branding, interaction design, copywriting, web design and more. Many of SVA’s advertising classes are held right at the agencies of the faculty members, where students can mingle with executives, media planners and copywriters.