Last week Gail Anderson was selected for a Lifetime Achievement from the Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt National Design Awards.

When I talk about –  Why I became a designer –  Unlike most kids growing up, I didn’t have posters of athletes or pop stars on my walls, I had spreads from Rolling Stone magazine. There was something about the engaging typography, playful illustration, and evocative photography that sparked me to say “I want to make things like THAT.”

Gail created those spreads. She first started out as a designer to emulate. Later, I had the distinction to study under her at SVA MFAD.  Now, I’m honored to call her a friend.

By any metric, Gail’s body of work is impressive. But, her most impressive portfolio pieces are the young designers that she has helped over the decades.

She has a gift for it. She was so good at it, that when I was tasked to elevate the level of Design at GE, and I had the opportunity to bring in external thought leaders to talk, she was my first guest.

I sound like a tool, but Gail spends 30 minutes dropping knowledge and sharing insights.

Gail, congrats on your achievement.

On behalf of every young designer you inspired… thank you.