Podcast Summary: Women Designers You Should Know
Episode 026: Ellen Raskin: Designer Turned Author (with Briar Levitt)
Release Date: November 26, 2024

Introduction to Ellen Raskin and Briar Levitt

In Episode 026 of "Women Designers You Should Know," host Amber Asay delves into the multifaceted life of Ellen Raskin—a visionary who seamlessly blended graphic design with storytelling to create influential children's literature. Raskin's notable works, such as The Westing Game and The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon Noel, are celebrated for their visually engaging and intellectually stimulating narratives. Joining Amber is Briar Levitt, a designer, educator, and advocate for women in graphic design, known for her documentary Graphic Means and her book Baseline Shift.

“Redesigning history by celebrating women. Amber Asay highlights groundbreaking contributions of women designers who have shaped the world we live in today.”

Briar Levitt’s Journey and Influence

Briar Levitt shares her personal journey, highlighting the influences that shaped her career in design and storytelling. She reflects on her early fascination with album art and museum visits, which fueled her passion for narrative-driven design.

• Early Influences and Education:

  • “For me, I think like a lot of designers of my generation, Generation X, we were drawn to mute album covers and album art. So there's that. But ultimately I was more interested in the telling of stories...” [02:52]
  • Levitt discusses her initial aspiration to become a paleontologist, which shifted to exhibition design after a transformative visit to the Smithsonian's Office of Exhibit Central.

• Transition to Graphic Design and Activism:

  • Her internship at the Smithsonian exposed her to the challenges of exhibition design, leading her to pivot towards publications as a more portable and narrative-driven medium.
  • “I realized that there's a lot of bottlenecking that happens with exhibitions. When I discovered publications could be like a portable exhibition...” [04:20]

Career Highlights and Philosophy

Levitt recounts her early career at Bitch Magazine, emphasizing the blend of activism and graphic design. She highlights her work experience, including her time at Discovery Channel and her role as art director at Bitch Magazine, where she thrived as a critical creative member.

• Philosophy on Design:

  • “I do, and it is essentially something that Varvara Stepanova painted in 1919. She said, steady the old, but create the new.” [09:43]
  • This philosophy underpins her approach to design, balancing respect for historical influences with innovation.

• Impact of Baseline Shift:

  • “Baseline Shift was a great way to share what I was seeing... It was the reason for doing it. And I think in the response I've gotten, it's been good because people have learned...” [11:33]
  • Levitt’s book Baseline Shift showcases the often-overlooked contributions of women in graphic design, making the work accessible to a broader audience.

Ellen Raskin: Designer and Author

The core of the episode focuses on Ellen Raskin, exploring her dual career as a graphic designer and author. Levitt provides an in-depth look at Raskin's life, work, and legacy.

• Early Life and Education:

  • Ellen Raskin grew up in Milwaukee during the Great Depression, experiencing financial hardships that influenced her lifelong emphasis on financial stability.
  • “Her dad ended up losing a lot of money. I think this is why she ended up having a really lifelong fixation on maintaining financial stability...” [17:15]
  • Raskin pursued fine arts at the University of Wisconsin after being inspired by an art exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago.

• Career in Graphic Design:

  • Raskin moved to New York in the 1950s aspiring to be a painter but transitioned to graphic design to sustain her livelihood.
  • She became renowned for her book cover designs, creating over a thousand covers, including the iconic original cover for A Wrinkle in Time.
  • “Each book came with several iterations or sketches before and an approval process. And she was doing a lot of this freelancing too.” [21:09]

• Transition to Authoring:

  • In the mid-1960s, Raskin shifted from illustrating others’ books to writing and illustrating her own, starting with Nothing Ever Happens on My Block (1966).
  • Her first young adult book, Figs and Phantoms, won a Newbery Honor, showcasing her unique, layered storytelling style.
  • “Every book she wrote was like a puzzle. It was full of twists and with themes that went beyond just entertainment.” [27:24]

• Distinctive Style and Creative Process:

  • Raskin integrated typography and illustration, creating interactive and engaging visuals that complemented her narratives.
  • “She designed the whole book... She wanted to create a whole experience for kids to make them feel like they're discovering all these little clues.” [27:49]
  • Her innovative approach made her work stand out in a male-dominated industry, earning her repeated recognition from prestigious organizations.

Challenges and Legacy

Levitt discusses the challenges Raskin faced, including her struggle with a connective tissue disease that affected her ability to work in later years. Despite her illness, Raskin continued to create and inspire until her passing.

• Personal Struggles:

  • Raskin battled a chronic illness from her teenage years, which influenced her resilience and determination in her creative endeavors.
  • “She was in control of her life always... to end the pain that she was in, which is really powerful.” [36:26]

• Professional Recognition:

  • Raskin received numerous accolades, including the Newbery Medal in 1979 for The Westing Game, solidifying her legacy in children's literature.
  • “When you made the shift to writing, she showed that a woman in a supportive background role could step forward and make a name in her own right.” [39:55]

• Impact on Design and Literature:

  • Her work continues to influence contemporary designers and authors, blending visual art with narrative complexity.
  • “Looking at her progression has been helpful.” [42:15]

Conclusion and Final Reflections

Amber and Briar conclude the episode by reflecting on Ellen Raskin’s enduring legacy and the importance of celebrating women designers. Levitt emphasizes the need for accessible resources and greater recognition of women's contributions to design history.

• Celebrating Women in Design:

  • “Thank you for bringing these stories to a bigger audience because the practitioners need to hear about these women.” [43:13]
  • The episode underscores the significance of preserving and highlighting the achievements of women like Ellen Raskin who have shaped the fields of design and literature.

• Briar Levitt’s Contributions:

  • Levitt continues to influence the design community through her documentary, Graphic Means, her book Baseline Shift, and her educational efforts at Portland State University.
  • “Shifting the narrative around design, reminding us that this field isn't just about aesthetics, but about culture, history, and advocacy.” [43:27]

Notable Quotes:

• “I want to create a whole experience for kids to make them feel like they're discovering all these little clues.” – Briar Levitt [27:49]
• “She was in control of her life always... to end the pain that she was in, which is really powerful.” – Briar Levitt [36:26]
• “Baseline Shift was a great way to share what I was seeing.” – Briar Levitt [11:33]

Resources and Further Listening

• Briar Levitt's Work:

  • Documentary: Graphic Means
  • Book: Baseline Shift
  • Website: brbriarlevitt.com
  • Instagram: @briarlevitt

• Ellen Raskin’s Notable Works:

  • The Westing Game (Newbery Medal, 1979)
  • The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon Noel
  • Nothing Ever Happens on My Block
  • Figs and Phantoms (Newbery Honor)

Final Thoughts

Episode 026 of "Women Designers You Should Know" offers a profound exploration of Ellen Raskin's dual legacy as a designer and author, enriched by Briar Levitt's insightful perspectives. The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in design, ensuring their stories and achievements continue to inspire future generations.

If you enjoyed this summary, consider listening to the full episode for a more detailed discussion and additional insights.