Eye–Bee–M — Paul Rand, 1981
Eye–Bee–M — Paul Rand, 1981
Created by Paul Rand in 1981, Eye–Bee–M is one of the most celebrated examples of wit in modern graphic design.
The composition transforms three simple elements — an eye, a bee and the striped letter M — into a visual rebus that spells IBM. Created in support of the company’s longstanding THINK philosophy, the poster replaced conventional corporate language with something unexpected: a puzzle that asks the viewer to participate in the act of reading the image. IBM itself describes the work as an iconic part of its visual history.
Against an uncompromising black field, Rand arranged the eye, bee and M with extraordinary economy. The forms are playful, geometric and immediately recognizable, while the restrained composition demonstrates the simplicity and intelligence that defined his approach to visual communication.
The poster emerged from Rand’s influential relationship with IBM, for which he developed one of the defining corporate identities of the twentieth century. Rather than treating identity as a rigid system, Eye–Bee–M shows how a corporate symbol could be intelligent, humorous and culturally memorable. The original 1981 poster is held in the collection of SFMOMA, while the design is also represented in major museum collections.
More than four decades later, the composition remains remarkably contemporary. The deep black ground and precisely balanced flashes of orange, pink, green, yellow and blue give the work a powerful presence at statement scale, particularly in modernist, industrial, minimalist and design-led interiors.
A distinctive piece for admirers of Paul Rand, modern graphic design, visual identity, typography, technology history and the enduring language of twentieth-century design.
Details
• Museum-quality archival matte paper
• Professionally restored artwork
• Archival printing for lasting colour depth, detail and clarity
• Frame not included
• Available in multiple sizes
• Carefully rolled and wrapped in a protective sleeve and thin protective paper before being placed in sturdy recyclable packaging
• Full-size 100% close-up preview provided for transparency before purchase
Each Editoriale print is selected for its visual significance, design history and enduring ability to hold a room.
Every Editoriale poster is made to order and professionally printed using high-quality archival materials.
Production time
• United States: 2–5 business days
• International: approximately 2–7 business days
Estimated shipping time after dispatch
• United States: 1–8 business days
• International: 5–20 business days
Production and shipping times are calculated separately and may be longer during holidays or carrier delays.
Tracking details will be emailed when available. Posters are carefully rolled, protected with a sleeve and thin protective paper, and shipped in sturdy recyclable packaging. Multiple items may arrive in separate parcels.
Please check your delivery address carefully before ordering, as changes may not be possible once production begins. International orders may be subject to customs duties, VAT or import fees.
If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 7 days with your order number and clear photos of the item, packaging and shipping label.