“The only logo to rival ‘I heart NY’ on the
t-shirts of hip kids worldwide is that of
DFA.  This is the visual aesthetic of DFA
Records.  Raw, energetic, direct and potent,
a symmetrical reflection of their
intelligent, analog audio.  The one
responsible for this is Michael Vadino,
a new york-based artist, who began by
designing a DFA party invite and soon was
art directing the whole shebang.”

                                                                                                                                   –Trish Roberts

Michael’s early New York design days involved art directing ad campaigns and other big ideas for Russell Simmons and making flyers for his friend’s downtown dance parties.

In some ways, the projects haven't changed that much.

 

That friend was James Murphy,  and the parties evolved into the not-so-underground

record label DFA.  As the label’s art director,  Michael has produced a considerable body of work for artists including LCD Soundsystem,  The Juan Maclean and Holy Ghost! among many.  His work has been recognized internationally,  including a

ten year retrospective held in Sydney, Australia.

 

In 2008 Michael co-founded a design studio, Bureau™,  that produced handsome,  thoughtful and impulsive work until 2012.

 

Michael’s practice spans well beyond the scope of music and fashion but his instinct to capture something vital and burgeoning is consistent regardless of the medium.

Michael has collaborated with a number of well-thought-of brands and individuals including:

 MARC JACOBS,  YVES SAINT LAURENT,  DFA RECORDS,

RUSSELL SIMMONS,   JAMES MURPHY,  LEVI’S,  CALVIN KLEIN,  VERA WANG,

COTY FRAGRANCE,  THE LIMITED CORPORATION,  THE GAP,  TIM HAMILTON,  STEVEN ALAN,  MANDY COON,  JOAN & DAVID,  OSCILLOSCOPE LABORATORIES,   NASDAQ,  NTT COMMUNICATIONS, KARLA OTTO,

ELIZABETH DEE and AERIN LAUDER.