Joe Caroff, graphic designer whose iconic work helped define American visual culture including film posters and corporate logos. He passed away on August 17, 2025, at the age of 103 in Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
Caroff, celebrated for his inventive poster designs and book covers, left an indelible mark on the design world over a career spanning decades. He was widely recognized for his ability to combine bold imagery with striking typography, creating work that resonated across generations. Among his most notable contributions were his poster designs for classic films, which remain a benchmark for modern graphic design.
Born in 1922, Caroff began his career in commercial art before quickly rising to prominence for his unique approach to visual storytelling. Colleagues and critics alike praised his flair for creativity, attention to detail, and capacity to capture the essence of a subject in a single, compelling image.
Beyond his professional achievements, Caroff was known for mentoring young designers and fostering innovation within the graphic arts community. His influence extended far beyond the projects he directly worked on, shaping the careers of countless emerging artists and designers.
He was best known for creating the iconic 007 James Bond logo and designing classic film posters such as West Side Story (1961), Cabaret (1972), Last Tango in Paris (1972), and Zelig (1983). He also designed animated film title sequences and corporate logos for major brands like ABC Olympics and Fox. Over his career, Caroff’s bold typography and innovative visual style influenced generations of designers, and his work remains celebrated in the 2022 documentary By Design: The Joe Caroff Story.
He is survived by his family: his wife, Phyllis Friedman and his two children. Joe and his wife Phyllis lived in New York City, where they sponsored the Phyllis and Joseph Caroff Foundation for Health and Mental Health funding need based scholarships for students attending Hunter College School of Social Work.
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