​Charles Gibson’s involvement with the Hopkins Center Graphic Design Studio spanned two decades– as assistant designer under Mark Friedman from 1972-1974 and as design director from 1979-1987. Responsibilities included: design and implementation of season brochures; posters for the performing arts, film society, and Artist-in-Residence Program; print advertising; lobby/kiosk displays; fundraising pieces; and special projects. Prior to the opening of the Hood Museum of Art in 1985, Charles Gibson also designed invitations, posters, and exhibition catalogs for the Center’s galleries.

Good design results from good problem-solving. The solution, rather than imposing itself stylistically from the outside, grows organically from the inside outward through analysis of the problem. With posters, this principle extends even to the choice of an appropriate visual language to articulate an idea or mood. The ragged edge of torn paper conveys emotions different from those of a cut or constructed edge. A trumpet can relate to any musical style, but a rendering of it in torn paper inflects is impact toward the spontaneity of jazz.