In America, the occupational title of the art director preceded that of the graphic designer.

While the lines between roles have been blurred today, the importance of advertising in editorial created a more specific need for the Art Director in early 20th Century. It wasn’t until the Art Director’s Club of New York, formed in 1920, started publishing its famous Annual that recognition was given for achievements in graphic design created outside of advertising – primarily letterhead and display materials.

Among the earliest art directors was M.F. Agha, a Russian who came to America while working at the German edition of Vogue. While his name is rarely mentioned in design history classes, he’s featured prominently in Hollis’ Graphic Design: A Concise History (the source and inspiration for this post), and his work was ubiquitous in America, gracing the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair, and House and Garden.