Stefan Sagmeister, a giant of contemporary design and a two-time Grammy Award winner, is coming to SOF! He has designed for the legendary music band The Rolling Stones, the prestigious Guggenheim Museum, and the popular HBO. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with numerous icons, including Lou Reed, OK Go, David Byrne, Jay-Z, Aerosmith, Talking Heads, Brian Eno, and Pat Metheny. He is one of the most frequently invited speakers at TED and the creator of The Happy Show exhibition, which set the record as the most visited graphic design exhibition in history.
A provocateur with a strong emotional impact
Stefan Sagmeister’s work deals with challenging themes, including sexuality, humor, elements of shock, and provocative imagery. His projects often push the boundaries of good taste. A great example of this was his 2012 collaboration announcement with designer and illustrator Jessica Walsh. Some describe him as a nonconformist, and while he doesn’t concern himself with labels, it is undeniable that Sagmeister aims to provoke a strong reaction with every piece he creates.
Graphic designer, conceptual typographer, and performance artist
Stefan believes that design should not only be functional but also entertaining and captivating, even though his projects are rarely described as easygoing. On the grand stage of SOF, he will give a lecture titled “Now is Better”, where, based on facts, he will take us on a journey through human progress over the centuries and inspire us to choose gratitude and positivity over pessimism and despair.
