Become a hero to CCNY and the George Lois Big Idea Archives

On November 18th, 2022 the world became a little less innovative, a little less provocative and lot less interesting. George Lois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the things he held most dear. His family, his best friend, his work and his art.

The passion of George Lois has lit a million creative flames in this world, opened minds, influenced culture and politics, challenged countless millions to embrace societal change and exposed truth at every turn. From depicting Muhammad Ali as Saint Sebastian on the cover of Esquire magazine to having Mick Jagger scream "I WANT MY MTV” George rocked the world with a dynamic and persuasive visual explosion. Whether he was organizing a fund to fight the racial injustice of the wrongfully convicted boxer Rubin Hurricane Carter, exposing the evils of war by placing Lt. Calley on the cover of Esquire, or making you smile at the idea of Joe Namath as an Olivetti Girl, George found a way to get under the skin of society and evoke change.

Business Week once wrote that “Every industry has its stars, and in the world of advertising, George Lois is a Supernova…” Indeed he was, but unlike the stars in our skies that become supernovas only to burn out, his light will continue to shine and inspire forever.