If I was asked who Stefan Sagmeister was a week ago, I could’ve given a handful of knee-jerk descriptions; he’s a designer, he’s provocative, he’s influential. I could’ve said many things to describe the icon he has become, but I would have failed to mention that he’s human.

“Everybody who is honest is interesting.”

On Friday afternoon, Mark came in with Stefan Sagmeister. Introductions were made, jokes ensued and instantly he blends into the sarcasm of the studio. He even played along with a prank and signed our poster “with a kiss”. He’s well-spoken, he’s curious, he has so many observations, and so many interesting things to say. I don’t know what to think of this man. He seems normal, he seems approachable, and he seems real. And it occurs to me that this is the same designer Mark taught us about in school years ago. He’s right in front of me. The whole time I wonder, “Did you actually etch conference details into your skin?

While the GDC members and the guest of honor were out for dinner, I had been eagerly anticipating the presentation, thanks to our brief encounter. The venue was filled with energy upon arrival. Those lucky enough to get tickets enjoyed drinks and food, while others stood in line hoping to get tickets and stand at the back. Amid all of this, the man everyone is waiting to see slips out, for a smoke, and invited me along. Saying, “I’ll smoke, you don’t have to.”

Our conversations flowed from race, to photography, to children, and to culture. In that brief moment I caught his thoughts on independence, his journeys around the world, and questioning why the Chinese are growing in power. It made it easier to confirm his stance on the design industry in New York, “If you are a designer with a really well-done portfolio, New York is the place to be.” Two cigarettes and a carrot stick later, the show must begin.

After an intro story about sea elephants and blowjobs, Sagmeister captures everyones attention by yelling “Shut the fuck up!” into the mic. He dove into a studio profile: music business design (a music building ‘Casa de Musica’ logo approach), socially responsible design (Pentagon squandering with creative approaches, the pig car train and topsy-turvy bus), and corporate design (a lighting company corporate report using same embossed relief of a flower under many lighting conditions).

At this point I’m building a large interest on seeing these pieces in real life, not on the screen or magazines. If only a Canadian organization can commission a project, I won’t need to fly to Lisbon or New York.

The pace was steady, the audience was enchanted. His energy heightened as the second half approached, Sagmeister switched to his series, “Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far.” To document Sagmeister’s inspirational qualities is a bit of a chore, he truly is someone you have to meet to understand. One of the messages he did refresh for me, was the importance of representing internal reflection in creative ways. It doesn’t take much, just a little time and “schwoopdeeboop,” you might end up with something great.

Before the presentation was over, his books were all sold, and the line up for autographs had begun. There is mystery and hype surrounding Sagmeister, but there are no smoke and mirrors involved in his work. What he does and how he does it has a certain flavour, but when it comes down to it he isn’t a celebrity designer with an attitude, in person, he’s just like anyone else. An equal amount of people support and oppose his work; there are other designers that are provocative and inspiring. Although design used to equal fart, the truth of the matter is that Sagmeister dances on the tightrope between art and design.

Read more in an article courtesy of Popular Science.