Published in the GDUSA September/ October 2014 magazine issue 
Photo credit: Business Lunch Productions

Following my freshman year in college I found myself in the rat-race search for a design internship. I researched many agencies and independent designers and, fueled by my interest in movie and theatrical posters, I Googled “Broadway poster design.” The first hit belonged to Mr. Frank Verlizzo — better known as “Fraver.”

Upon viewing his work and learning of his accomplishments, I quickly realized that Fraver was a living legend, having created poster art for over 300 Broadway and Off Broadway productions. I also realized that I had to meet him. The question was how? I was reluctant to send Fraver an email, assuming the chance of somebody so accomplished responding to a college student would be slim to none. Fortunately, my Dad taught me that “in life half the battle is just showing up.” Recognizing the wisdom in that simple piece of advice, I sent Fraver a short email introducing myself and explaining my interest. To my shock, Fraver responded immediately and suggested we meet in person in New York City. I almost fell off my chair.

Fraver and I met a few weeks later. He treated me to an excellent lunch that lasted nearly 4 hours but seemed to pass in minutes. Our conversation spanned a multitude of topics and included a helpful critique of my portfolio. More importantly, I learned about Fraver’s career path and was offered insight into how he achieved success.

Prior to our meeting I held a misconception about successful individuals, expecting there to be some magic recipe for making it as a designer. Fraver totally shattered that notion by making it clear that there are no such recipes. Another misunderstanding to fly out the window was that being good at Photoshop translates to being a good designer. I learned that Fraver’s initial designs at Pratt were crafted by hand, before the advent of computers and software programs. In fact, Fraver’s iconic Lion King poster design took shape through hundreds of sketches before a masterpiece was achieved. Most importantly, I left understanding that in order to be a good designer one must be an excellent communicator.

I was sincerely moved by the level of generosity, patience, encouragement and interest that Fraver showed me throughout our encounter. He demonstrated that “it is more important to be interested than interesting” no matter how much you achieve. According to Fraver — he is still trying to make it! We now find ourselves engaged in a meaningful mentor-mentee relationship. At times I am still astounded that a nine-sentence email shot into the dark four years ago would open the door to such a rich and meaningful opportunity.

Fraver is certainly the most notable designer I have been privileged to have as a teacher. He constantly stresses the importance of having many individuals outside of the art world to learn from and emulate. Such relationships enable one to gain a higher level of mastery over oneself.

Interestingly enough, when Fraver was a student at Pratt he developed a close relationship with his teacher, David Edward Byrd. Byrd is a legendary artist who designed the original 1970’s Follies Broadway poster, which Fraver later re-designed for the 2011 Kennedy Center and Broadway revival. Byrd also helped Fraver acquire his first job out of Pratt in theatrical advertising with Blaine Thompson.

In the same way that Byrd influenced Fraver, Fraver has influenced me. I recognize my responsibility to one day pay it forward and mentor other young designers. Most importantly, now that I just started my new design position at Sagetopia in Leesberg VA, the next time I make it to New York I’ll owe Fraver a nice steak dinner and a sincere thank you.

This time it’s on me!