New York
Rodney Abbot
Senior Partner, Design
Little surprise that Rodney is a senior lecturer and guest critic at two of the foremost university design programs in the world.
In 20+ years at Lippincott, while leading initiatives for Dell, IBM, Johnson Controls, Monotype, Nissan, Sprint, Visa and other iconic brands, Rodney has passionately advanced the art and science of design exploration with the integration of business strategy. He has written extensively on identity, experience and expression, and his brand renewal of Southwest Airlines was one of the most awarded programs in recent history.
- How long have you been at Lippincott?
Twenty-five years.
- Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?
Southwest Airlines was definitely a career high. I was shown tremendous trust and support by everyone at Southwest, especially the leadership team. Monotype’s Pencil to Pixel exhibit is also a favorite. The chance to develop an exhibit focused purely on typography was a rare treat. And finally, producing a book compilation of Lippincott Sense Magazines, going back to the first issue in 1956, gave me the opportunity to pay homage to the incredible legacy of our firm.
- Being a Lippincott’er means:
Not resting till everyone on the team loves the work.
- If you weren’t in this profession, what would you be?
As a kid I dreamed of becoming a National Geographic photographer. Then I discovered graphic design.
- What’s your happy place?
Anytime I’m on a surfboard.
- What’s your favorite place you've traveled to?
Going back to New Zealand is still my favorite. Even after more than 25 years in the United States, the landscape still feels like home.
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Education
M.F.A. Graphic Design, Yale University
B.F.A. Graphic Design, University of Canterbury -
Work Experience
Designer, Peter Haythornthwaite Design
Senior Lecturer, UArts, Philadelphia -
Connect
Insights
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Design Doing
Over the last 70 years of design here at Lippincott, we’ve learned that the doing is just as important as the thinking. In this piece, we lay out the precepts and principles of the craft itself — the meticulous exercise of converting strategies to beautiful, simple and meaningful work.
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Enter the Catalyst
With purpose, we clarify direction, unite action and cater to customers in the most effective ways. Learn how to energize your brand’s purpose and accelerate results.
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