Tibor Kalman

A maverick graphic designer who redefined visual communication through subversive creativity and social activism.

Tibor Kalman (1949–1999) was a Hungarian-born American graphic designer whose unconventional approach to design challenged corporate norms and advocated for social justice. As the founder of M&Co, Kalman fused irony, bold typography, and politically charged imagery to create campaigns that questioned consumerism and inequality.

One of his most iconic projects was the 『Colors』 magazine, launched under his editorship for Benetton. It tackled global issues like racism and poverty through provocative photo essays, breaking away from traditional advertising. Kalman famously said, I’m interested in imperfections, quirkiness, insanity, unpredictability. His “Unfashion” movement rejected polished aesthetics, instead embracing raw, handcrafted visuals to humanize brands.

Kalman’s legacy lies in proving that design could be a tool for activism. His work with nonprofits like Witness, which used video to expose human rights abuses, further cemented his role as a cultural provocateur. Despite his early death, his philosophy continues to inspire designers to prioritize ethics over aesthetics.