Overview
Designed by Milton Glaser in 1977, the I Love New York mark has become one of the most iconic and recognizable symbols in the world. As one of the most beloved expressions of love for New York, it has transformed a deep love for the city into a universal language. Reinterpreted through Arabic letterforms, this piece celebrates the layered cultural identity of a city shaped by the people who move through it each day. The mark reflects the many languages that New York has always expressed itself through. Art, design, typography, architecture, signage, food, fashion, music, sports, transit, movement, and the people and communities that call it home. Over time, the I Love New York mark has become a symbol tied deeply to its people’s sense of identity, belonging, and connection to their city.
Design Process
Through the exploration of typographic form, this project explores the vernacular aesthetics of New York and how an iconic symbol of love and identity tied to the city could be reinterpreted through another cultural and typographic lens, while still retaining the essence of its original form and also its emotional recognizability. Drawing from the tradition and parameters that define the Arabic script and letterforms, the composition attempts to honor both the structural integrity of the script, and the emotional core and symbolism of Glaser's original design, all while celebrating the broader cultural expression that defines New York's sense of identity.
