Richard Danne (pronounced DAYnee) attended the U.C.L.A. Graduate School of Design after graduating from Oklahoma State University. He began his independent career in Dallas and moved to New York City in 1963. He became a partner in Gips & Danne, then later in Danne & Blackburn, but has been a sole proprietor for most of his career.

DanneDesign includes Barbara Danne as a partner, and focuses on brand identity and communication design, with emphasis on both words and visuals.

In 2014, Richard was awarded the prestigious AIGA Medal, the highest honor in graphic design. He received the 2018 “Fellow Award” from AIGA / San Francisco and was named a “Graphis Master” by the premier publisher of design. He is also included in the The Moderns, a stunning Abrams book featuring pioneering Mid-Century American designers.

AIGA had previously honored him with an expansive “Inspiration” Archive Collection on their website. Click here for Collections, then scroll down to Richard Danne.

In 1974, he was elected to Alliance Graphique Internationale, and elite honorary organization, and was President of AGI / US for eight years. Elected President of the AIGA in 1977, he later organized and Founding President of AIGA / NY (chapter). His board service includes: Third Street Music School, AIGA, New York Public Library, Center for Coastal Studies, and the Napa Valley Jazz Society. Richard also taught for years at the School of Visual Arts in NYC.

Danne's firms have won many prestigious national and international awards including three U.S. Presidential Awards for Design Excellence. He has lectured extensively and been widely published here and abroad. Listed in Who's Who in the World, he has worked around the globe.

Early in 2006, after decades in New York City and Massachusetts, Barbara and Richard happily relocated their design practice, Steinway grand piano, and residence to Napa, California.