This was the first design firm that I worked at out of college.
After graduating from Cal State Fullerton I was offered a designer position with Richard C. Runyon Design. Early in his career he worked under the legendary Saul Bass. Forming his own agency in the 70’s he went on to create the original Federal Express, Betty Crocker, Spruce Goose and Hansen logos. By the time I joined the firm in 2000 we were designing ads for China Southern Airlines along with corporate brochures for early startup companies.
Working with Richard was an old school, MadMen experience. The office was filled with cuss words and fights! I would psyche myself up for fifteen minutes before heading into the office to be greeted by a slurry of insults. At one point I called my mom and told her this man has called me every bad name except the n-word.
I stayed and persevered for almost two years. Partly because I didn’t know any better and partly because I had the experience to jump headfirst into some amazing projects. I developed a thick skin and bold attitude about graphic design and my place in the field. He pushed and I shoved back with even better designs.
When I present work I criticize myself first before the client has a chance. It can be the difference between being asked for revisions or being told that they are going in a new direction…without you. That’s what Richard taught me. I searched for him for several years before discovering that shortly after I left his firm that he passed away in a plane crash.
Despite all of the craziness during my time under him I hold those years in very high regard. I’ve held unto this business card for 25 years now. 25 years I’ve been a professional graphic designer.
Thank you.
Leave a Reply