SGN #14

43 min.

Pepe Cruz and Spanish Design: The Trajectory of the CruzmásCruz Studio

We explore the career and design philosophy of Pepe Cruz, CEO of Cruz + Cruz, and his vision of graphic identity and its durability over time.

Audio
Podcast

About the episode

In this episode of Signolia , we talked to Pepe Cruz, CEO of the Cruz + Cruz design studio, a benchmark in graphic communication in Spain. We talked about the durability of brands, the role of design in corporate identity and the transition of his studio from the creation of iconic brands such as Correos and PSOE to contemporary projects such as the Spanish Space Agency. Pepe shares anecdotes about the history of graphic design in Spain, technological changes and the importance of sustainability in branding. In addition, he reflects on the future of design, the challenges of artificial intelligence and how it continues to train new generations to maintain the essence and quality of the sector.

Episode Summary

0:00

Introduction and presentation by Pepe Cruz

Sergio introduces the guest, Pepe Cruz, CEO of Cruz + Cruz, and highlights the historical relevance of the studio in Spanish graphic design.

1:00

History and legacy of Cruz + Cruz

Pepe recounts the beginnings of his father, Cruz Novillo, in graphic design in 1958 and how his work created icons such as the logos of Correos and PSOE.

3:59

The importance of durability in brands

Pepe and Sergio explore how Cruz + Cruz's design philosophy avoids passing trends, allowing logos to endure over time.

7:35

Graphic design and the transition in Spain

Pepe explains how his father introduced the royal crown into the Correos logo during the democratic transition, marking a milestone in Spain's visual identity.

10:00

Relationship with other Correos studios and rebranding

Pepe narrates his experience collaborating with the Suma studio in the redesign of Correos in 2019 and the special invitation his father received as an "honorary postman".

12:30

The visual identity of the peseta and other iconic projects

They talk about Cruz Novillo's contribution to the design of peseta banknotes, a symbol of Spanish identity, and his presence in the Cruz + Cruz online store.

15:08

The "Animal Alphabet" and other iconic designs

Pepe shares the story of the animal ABC of Phosphors of the Pyrenees, a project of his father's from 1968, which became an international success and pioneer in geometric design.

17:56

Evolution of graphic design and technology

Pepe and Sergio discuss how new technologies, including artificial intelligence, have influenced graphic design, keeping a good conceptual idea as its essence.

21:40

Spanish Space Agency controversy

Pepe details how Cruz + Cruz won the Spanish Space Agency competition, only to see his design replaced in an unexpected twist, which raises a reflection on transparency in these processes.

27:06

The value of a well-designed brand

They talk about the importance of good design working in different formats, considering durability and sustainability, especially in large rebranding projects.

33:49

Collaboration with C. Tangana and La Guitarra Flamenca de Yeray Cortés

Pepe details the collaboration for the poster of the documentary film by C. Tangana, The Flamenco Guitar of Yeray Cortés , and how the design reflects the essence of the project.

38:42

Future of design and new talents

Pepe reflects on the future of design, the importance of comprehensive training and how designers must remain flexible and open to different disciplines.

41:00

Closing and acknowledgements

Pepe welcomes the opportunity to share his unique vision and highlights the importance of collaboration in design to achieve a successful and lasting project over time

Related Links

KZPuBl7PnQHX67g9SC21c5m6OxGf5wHzkWhbCqIP
Cross plus Cross
Diseño sin título (1)
Instagram Cruz+Cruz
Título
Phosphors from the Pyrenees "ABC Animal"
Diseño sin título (5)
The logo that went from space to a drawer

Our podcasting platforms

Listen to us at Spotify Podcast

Listen to us at YouTube

Listen to us at Amazon Podcast

Listen to us at Apple Podcast

Listen to us at ivoox

Listen to us at Spreaker

We

Sergio Carbonell

More than 20 years in the business world, in the areas of point-of-sale branding and online marketing.

Pepe Cruz Novillo

Pepe Novillo is the CEO of Cruz + Cruz, a historic graphic design studio in Spain founded by his father, the renowned designer Cruz N...

Related episodes

SGN #27

50 min

Discover from Rotutech how engineering and business vision are revolutionizing the sign industry.

SGN #26

35 min

Solar films are key to energy efficiency: find out how they improve comfort, reduce heat and save energy in buildings.
We explore the career and design philosophy of Pepe Cruz, CEO of Cruz + Cruz, and his vision of graphic identity and its durability over time.
Privacy Summary

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best possible user experience. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website or helping our team understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.