Official symbol for the XXIII Olympiad in Los Angeles, 1984

Program

BFA 49 Advertising

Robert Miles Runyan, a pioneer of visual corporate communications, is often credited with introducing the modern annual report with his breakthrough work on the Litton Industries annual report in 1959. Boldly departing from the dry financial documents of the time, Runyan presented a magazine-like editorial section, lavishly illustrated with conceptual photographs, in addition to the required financial spreadsheets and management’s report. In so doing, Runyan showed how the annual report could be used to present a company’s philosophy, build excitement for its products and distinguish it from competitors. His services were so much in demand that, in a single year, he designed 48 annual reports. Runyan also produced award-winning logos, identities and packaging for clients ranging from Times Mirror, Mattel, Vuarnet of France, the Los Angeles Rams and Rockwell International to Caesars Palace. In 1984, he created the “Stars in Motion” symbol for the Olympic Games held in Los Angeles.