Lou Dorfsman was born in the Bronx, New York, to a working-class family. A product of New York City public schools, he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1935. Though he initially aspired to study bacteriology at New York University, the financial strains of the Great Depression made the $300 tuition unattainable. Instead, Dorfsman took the entrance exam for The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, a prestigious institution offering free tuition to select students. He was awarded a four-year scholarship, graduating with the school’s highest honors.

During his time at Cooper Union, Dorfsman met Ann Hysa, his future wife, as well as Herb Lubalin, who would become a lifelong friend and collaborator. While pursuing his education, Dorfsman supported himself through a series of 11 jobs and later served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. His artistic talent shone even during wartime, earning him first and second prizes in the National Army Arts Contest.

After leaving the Army in 1946, Dorfsman joined CBS, drawn by the company’s reputation for high graphic standards. This decision would define the trajectory of his career, as he spent the next 41 years shaping CBS’s visual identity and becoming an integral figure in the Golden Age of Broadcast Television.

In 1951, just five years after joining CBS, Dorfsman was promoted to Art Director of CBS Radio. By 1960, he had ascended to Creative Director of the CBS Television Network. Four years later, he was named Director of Design for CBS, Inc., and in 1968 he became Vice President and Creative Director of the CBS Broadcast Group. His role extended beyond graphic design to encompass advertising, packaging, promotional materials, and the overall visual presentation of the network. Dorfsman’s work defined not only the look of CBS but also the brand’s presence across all media, including the newsroom and even physical spaces like convention floors.

Lou Dorfsman’s influence extended far beyond his tenure at CBS. His design philosophy and innovations have left an indelible mark on corporate design and typography, inspiring generations of designers. (hs)