Graphic Design Superstar: James Victore

James Victore is an American art director, graphic designer, and author who was born in 1962. He teaches design at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. His work is described as strong, sexy, and memorable. Much of his artwork is typographically driven and usually includes a statement concerning inspiration, politics, or society. Some words that come to my mind when I view his work are motivational, funny, scribbly, handwritten, thought provoking, imperfect, sarcastic, and opinionated.

James Victore prints for Holstee 2015

Holstee is a motivational community that provides a variety of inspirational art and content to their members. The Holstee website describes their content as "a moment of inspiration and clarity delivered to your mailbox every month."

"Holstee Manifesto" holstee.com Written by brother Dave & Mike Radparvar in 2009

I really love this set of prints James Victore created for the company Holstee. Done in his signature, messy, handwritten style, they were made to inspire other creative people, something Victore has always been passionate about.

James Victore "Celebrate Columbus" poster 1991

“Celebrate Columbus” came from my own desires and frustrations as a designer to use my abilities to comment on the news, society and culture. I wanted to use my work to make a statement, to work as a visual journalist to comment on culture and society. Printing and wheat pasting 2,000 posters around NYC can be very expensive. As a 29 year old designer, I did not have a lot of money hanging around, except for the dollars earmarked for rent— so I used my rent money. Thus began an obsession with posters (and a bad business plan).

    The only problem with the ‘rent money technique’ is that every few months, the doorbell would ring and waiting downstairs was a man in a suit. He would hand me some papers—eviction notices— and say, “You are served.”

    These legal notices were proof of my conviction— the price I had to pay to make posters. My girlfriend at the time was not happy about the eviction notices— she, too, was the price of my freedom." James Victore, Behance