Michael Schwab, Creating the Hero

From his studio in Marin County, Michael Schwab has established a reputation as one of America’s most recognized and best loved graphic artists. His remarkable list of prestigious clients includes Amtrak, Levi’s, the National Parks Service, Robert Redford and the San Francisco Opera. Originally from Oklahoma, Michael attended school in Texas, New York and California. He has a broad array of cultural and geographic references to which he turns for inspiration. His work is easily recognized by his signature use of dramatic perspectives and bold, graphic portraits. His work is striking in its simplicity.

“Michael’s elegant and engaging design embodies European and American sensibilities. He makes each work unique by reducing his need to communicate with powerful and sensitive essentials.”- Seymour Chwast, designer, illustrator, type designer“Michael Schwab has the unique ability to make anything – from wine to opera to jazz – look alluring, authentic, and seductive. His images carry his unmistakable imprimatur, yet each is his own invention.”- Louise Fili, designer“There is a classic quality to his work – contemporary, but never trendy – that unique point of view.” - Robert Redford, actor, director, producer, activist“As an architect relies on concrete and steel, Schwab uses black to build forms that prompt both immediate recognition and lasting memory.”- Steven Heller, art director, journalist, critic, author“Michael Schwab recalls the tradition of the Ukiyo-e as transmitted by the french fin de Siècle artists, Felix Vallotton, and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, making it a style that is deceptively simple and powerfully effective.”- David Lance Goines, poster artist, printer, author“A heroic silhouette. Negative and positive space, expertly visualized. Perfectly kerned type. The quintessential image of a swimmer, a landscape, a profile. Michael’s images are always uniquely, and memorably, Michael’s.”- Jennifer Morla, designer and founder, Morla Design“I adore Michael’s work – the strength and stillness. His portraits tell a story of his relationship with the subject. There’s a lot of Michael in his art.”- Amy Tan, author“Michael’s images are hard to ignore and seemingly jump up and grab you from the surface of the paper.” - Novum Gebrauschsgraphik“Michael lives in the shadows. And that is a beautiful thing.” - Rich Silverstein, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners