Malcolm C. Bert was an American graphic designer, art director, and commercial artist, widely recognized for his influential work in advertising and his significant contributions to the visual language of the counter-culture movement in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
Bert's career spanned various advertising agencies and design studios where he developed a reputation for innovative graphic solutions. He is most famously associated with the widespread popularization of the peace symbol in America. While the original Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) symbol was designed by Gerald Holtom in Britain in 1958, Bert's graphic adaptations and designs, particularly for the ubiquitous "peace button," played a crucial role in its adoption and iconic status within the American anti-war and counter-culture movements of the 1960s.
In addition to his work with counter-culture imagery, Bert's commercial portfolio included various high-profile design projects. He is notably credited with designing the distinctive logo for National Lampoon magazine, which launched in 1970 and became a cornerstone of satirical humor and pop culture. His design work often incorporated elements of pop art and psychedelic aesthetics, reflecting and shaping the dynamic cultural landscape of his era. Through his distinctive graphic designs, Malcolm C. Bert left a lasting mark on advertising and visual culture.