The August 16, 2024 issue of Dan’s papers and the Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game Program, featuring illustrations by Walter Bernard, Creative Director of Artists & Writers.
Here he talks about his inspirations for both covers, his pitching at this year’s softball game, and his goals for 2024.
Walter Bernard discusses the Artists & Writers Game
What can you tell our readers about the direction you are taking for the Dan’s papers Cover to celebrate the Artists & Writers Game 2024?
I have designed and illustrated more than 25 artists and authors. Game covers by Dan’s papers from 1994. The challenge gets bigger every year and this year was no exception.
I thought this would be an opportunity to pay tribute to Seymour Chwast’s brilliant baseball poster. This amazing baseball poster has been hanging in my home since 1987. I see it every day. It is so beautiful, clever and well designed by one of the greatest artists/designers of the 20th and 21st centuries. He co-founded Push Pin Studios, which conquered the American design scene in 1954, just as the Beatles conquered American music in 1964.
Of course, it’s not just an homage, it’s more of an outright theft. But I stole his idea, and this is this week’s cover celebrating the game.
What was your vision for the cover of the 2024 Artists & Writers Game program?
Some of the covers of the last programs were alternative Dan’s papers Cover studies, but the program cover for this issue is based on the designs I created for the artists/authors’ t-shirts. The artists’ brushes and the authors’ pencils are crossed swords, ready for battle.
What do you enjoy most about your role as Creative Director?
I enjoy the process of coming up with designs for the shirts and hats and the agony of creating yet another cover image. It’s always a relief when it gets accepted and I get to see it in print.
Are you on the artists’ or writers’ side for this year’s softball game, and are there any particular players you’re particularly looking forward to seeing play?
I throw for the artists and cheer on my team. It’s fun to watch the big hitters like Bill Quigley, Eddie McCarthy, Tom Clohessy, Jamie Patricof and Brian Pfund and see if they can get over the fence, but I’m really excited to be with friends. I hope to see Juliet Papa, Leif Hope, Ken Auletta, Mike Lupica, Ed Hollander, Lori Singer, photographer Durell Godfrey and reporter Jack Graves among others.
Are there any artistic or business goals you are working toward in 2024?
Artistic goals: Paint more often and better, play tennis more often and better.
Business goals: I am working with my friend, photographer Neil Leifer, on a book proposal and promoting my book Likes Menco-authored with Milton Glaser (Columbia University Press). I also eliminate all other business objectives.
For more design work by Walter Bernard, visit walterbernarddesign.com. For more information about the Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game on Saturday, August 17 at 2 p.m. at Herrick Park in East Hampton, visit awgame.org.
