Ellen Lupton

Ellen Lupton is one of the most innovative and influential voices in contemporary design. For over thirty years, she has been at the forefront of exploring how design can make the world a better place. From her work at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum to her books, Lupton has consistently pushed boundaries and encouraged designers to think critically about their work.

Lupton was born in Baltimore in 1964 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design from the Pratt Institute in 1986. She then went on to get her Masters of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Throughout her career, Lupton has worked at a variety of prestigious institutions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Cranbook Academy of Art, and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. She is a tenured professor at Maryland Institute College of Art, where she teaches in the Graphic Design area.

Lupton is a prominent advocate for design education and has published numerous books, essays, and articles exploring the possibilities of design. Lupton’s books provide invaluable insights for aspiring and established designers. In Thinking with Type (2004), Lupton provides a comprehensive guide to typography, explaining the fundamentals of type design, the history of typography, and how to use different typographical styles effectively. Her other books, including Design is Storytelling (2012) and Graphic Design Thinking (2011), examine the creative process behind good design, delving into the ways in which storytelling, problem-solving, and critical thinking can improve a design project.

In addition to her books, Lupton has also penned numerous essays, articles, and book reviews. Her work often tackles issues such as ethical design and using design to build a better world. Her essays have appeared in publications such as Print Magazine, Design Observer, and the AIGA Journal of Graphic Design. She is a frequent contributor to all of these outlets, writing about tactics for design thinking, methodology for the creative process, and new materials and techniques in design.

Ellen Lupton is a highly accomplished designer, teacher, and writer. She has an unparalleled ability to explain complex concepts in a way that both learners and professionals can appreciate. Lupton’s work has transformed the way that design is taught, practiced, and regarded in today's world. Her books and essays provide an essential starting point for design professionals and make her one of the most influential voices in contemporary design.