How Paul Rand influenced Steve Jobs to accept the the visual identity for NeXT.

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When in 1985, Steve Jobs left Apple after boardroom machinations left him on the outside looking in, he went on to found NeXT. The primary product was the NeXT computer. The fate of NeXT was sealed when Apple acquired it for more than 654 million dollars, and Jobs returned to work at Apple. However, during Job’s time at NeXT he commissioned graphic designer Paul Rand to create the visual identity for NeXT.

Steve Jobs -Image created by Dream AI
Steve Jobs with a branding book – created by Dream AI

Rand had a reputation for exerting great influence on his clients. He created a 100-page branding book to help Steve Jobs understand the entire design process hidden behind the NeXT identity.  This book is a step-by-step guide to creating the visual identity of NeXT.  The presentation book was a useful tactic for Rand as he persuaded his clients that his proposed ideas were the only and most timely solution.

next logo presentation
next logo presentation

When Jobs recalled working with Rand, Jobs said I asked him if he could come up with several options for the logo, and he said, “No, I’ll solve your problem, and you’ll pay me.  You do not have to use the solution.  If you need options, hire someone else, not me.”

The branding guide is an excellent reminder of the commitment to excellence of Rand.

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