TIM LARSEN:

An Inventory of His Papers at the Minnesota Historical Society

Manuscripts Collection

Expand/CollapseOVERVIEW

Creator: Larsen, Tim, creator.
Title:Tim Larsen papers.
Dates:1971-2020.
Language:Materials in English.
Abstract:Papers of graphic designer Tim Larsen, which documents Larsen's corporate identity and environmental design work by his firm Larsen Design for major Minnesota companies and organizations such as Honeywell, 3M, the University of Minnesota, and the Guthrie Theater. The papers also include materials regarding Larsen's role in founding the Minnesota chapter of the American Institute for Graphic Arts (AIGA).
Quantity:12.75 cubic feet (12 boxes and 11 oversize folders, unboxed), 2 video files: MP4 (4.58 GB), color, sound, and 5 zip file directories containing 555 digital files.
Location: See Detailed Description for shelf locations.

Expand/CollapseBIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Tim Larsen, undatedTim Larsen was born in Bismarck, North Dakota on July 20, 1948. Larsen attended Bismarck State College from 1967 to 1968, and worked as the sole commercial artist for the Bismarck Tribune during this period. Larsen received a Bachelor of Science in Art Education and Graphic Design from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 1971.

Shortly after graduation, Larsen moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota to take a job with the firm Design Center. While working at the firm, Larsen attended the University of Minnesota School of Architecture and the Institute of Technology.

In 1975, Larsen opened Larsen Design Office in Minneapolis. His first clients included Honeywell, Control Data, and 3M. He also founded and served as Chair of the Minnesota Graphic Designers Association (MGDA), the predecessor organization to American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Minnesota Chapter. In 1980, as President of MGDA, Larsen organized the first MGDA Design Conference (later renamed AIGA Minnesota Design Camp) in Lutsen, Minnesota, and a traveling graphic design show competition, typically held at the IDS Center in Minneapolis or at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD).

From 1987 to 1990, Larsen served as Director for the National Board of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and as an adjunct faculty member at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. His firm Larsen Design also saw continual growth in the 1990s, including establishing the Interactive Group in 1990, and the opening of a second office in San Francisco, California in 1995.

Tim Larsen served as the Director on the Board of Trustees for the College of Visual Arts (Saint Paul, Minnesota) from 1998 to 2000. In 2000, Larsen Design celebrated its 25th Anniversary, establishing the Larsen Design Scholarship Fund to be administered by AIGA Minnesota.

Larsen served in the following roles in 2000s and 2010s: Advisor, University of Minnesota College of Human Ecology (2001-2004); Chair, College of Visual Arts Board of Trustees (2006-2010); and Advisory Board Member for University of Minnesota College of Design (2007-2014). In recognition of his career accomplishments, Larsen was presented the Quality of Life award from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2000, and honored as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Minnesota Chapter Fellow in 2007.

In 2015, Tim Larsen retired and sold his firm Larsen Design to RAZR (Minnetonka, Minnesota).


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Expand/CollapseARRANGEMENT

These papers are organized into the following sections:

Larsen Design archive
Work portfolios


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Expand/CollapseADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Availability:

The collection is open for research use.

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate the cited item and/or series here]. Tim Larsen Papers. Minnesota Historical Society.

See the Chicago Manual of Style for additional examples.

Location of Master Files:

Digital masters are maintained on the Society's secure digital collections storage servers and are managed and preserved in accordance with archival best practices.

Accession Information:

Accession number: 17,983

Processing Information:

Processed by: Leif Kopietz, February 2025

Catalog ID number: 9989876840204294


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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Expand/CollapseLARSEN DESIGN ARCHIVE

The Larsen Design Archive generally includes client files consisting of brochures, annual reports, marketing materials, signage, press kits, and other branding materials focused on corporate identity and environmental design work done by Tim Larsen in his early career and by his firm Larsen Design for corporations, not-for-profit organizations, public utilities, government organizations, and other miscellaneous organizations (1971-2010s). The archive also consists of promotional materials for Larsen Design, including yearly brochures featuring the firms work, photographs, company ephemera, digital video, digtial photographs, and materials related to Larsen Design's 25th Anniversary Celebration held at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in 2000. Biographical information on Tim Larsen and his involvement in founding Minnesota Graphic Designers Association (MGDA) are interfiled among Larsen Design promotional materials.


LocationBox
154.L.15.11B1AEC Engineering, undated.
American Medical Systems (AMS), 2006.
AOL (Life Made Easy), 2005. 1 folder containing 1 compact disc (CD).
Larsen designed the compact disc and brochure.
Ace Medical, 1984.
Advanced Energy, undated.
Alebra Technologies, 2002.
Allianz, 1995-1997.
American Academy of Neurology, March 1994.
Amerus Group, 2005.
Ahoist (American Hoist International Corporation) (identity), undated.
Applied Materials, 2005-2011. 1 folder and 1 binder.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-17Applied Materials, 1995.
LocationBox
154.L.15.11B1Arnaco International (identity), undated.
Envelope only designed by Larsen.
Audibel, 2007.
Augsburg College, approximately 1987.
Augsburg/Fairview/St. Mary's, 1974.
Signage manual and photographs of Tim Larsen standing next to a sign installation.
BMC Industries, 1995-1997.
BWBR Architects, undated.
Banta Corporation, 2004-2005.
Bentz Whaley Fleshier and Florida State University Capital Campaign (their client), undated.
Best Buy (Culture X) (identity), undated.
Marketing piece.
Biomedical Dynamics, 1987.
Blanchard, 2014.
Boston Scientific, 1998.
Braun Intertec, 1992.
Brown Printing Company, undated.
Buffalo Wild Wings, 2004-2005.
College of Visual Arts (CVA), 2005-2008.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-17College of Visual Arts (CVA), 2009.
Location
InternetCollege of Visual Arts Roundtable Talk - Tim Larsen, Larsen Design, College of Visual Arts Gallery, October 27. 2005. 1 video file: MP4, color, sound; 4.34 GB.
College of Visual Arts Roundtable Talk - Tim Larsen, Larsen                             Design, College of Visual Arts Gallery, October 27. 2005. Digital version
LocationBox
154.L.15.11B1Catholic Charities, 1978.
Children's Health Care, 1995.
Computing Devices International, 1992.
ConAgra, 1995.
Connect Computer Company, 1993.
LocationBox
154.L.15.12F2Control Data, ETA Systems, Computing Devices International, Ceridian, and Imprimis:
Compilation of related companies.
Control Data, ETA Systems, Computing Devices International, Ceridian, and Imprimis, undated, 1975-1983, 1988-1989, 1992. 7 folders.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-28ETA Systems: SuperQuest, 1988. 1 small box.
Imprimis notes, undated. 2 small boxes.
Control Data: Corporate identity manual, 1981. 1 volume.
Control Data newsletters and brochures, undated, 1976, 1980.
LocationFolder
+3659Imprimis sign, undated.
LocationBox
154.L.15.12F2Cray Research, Inc., 1979.
Client slides, undated.
Dairy Queen (DQ), August 1976.
DataCard, 1995-1996.
Deluxe, undated, 2001-2007, 2011-2012.
Digital Equipment, 1992-1993.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-17Digital Equipment, undated.
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154.L.15.12F2Donaldson Company, 1972-1973.
Dow (Filmtec), 1992.
Ecolab, 1989, 1991-1992.
Ellerbe, undated.
Energy Protection Associates, undated.
En-Visioneering (identity), undated.
FSI International, undated, 1999.
Fairview, 1997.
Fluoroware, Inc., 1996-1997.
General Mills, 1985.
Graco, 1990, 1992, 1999.
Great Plains, 1999.
LocationBox
154.L.15.13B3Guthrie, 2006.
HP (Hewlett Packard), 1999.
HealthEast Care, Inc., undated.
HealthPartners (Group Health and Medical Centers), approximately 1987-2004.
Heartland Graphics (printing), Summer 1996.
Hennepin County Alcohol Safety Program, 1974.
Honeywell Finance, 1974.
Imaging Dynamics Company, Ltd. (IDC), undated.
IMPAC, 2003-2004.
Info-Dyne, undated.
Information Advantage, 1993, 1998-1999.
Instrumental Inc., undated.
Intelligent Marketing System, undated.
Imation, 1998.
Inter-City Paper Company, undated.
Includes letterhead, brochures, and two playing decks designed by Larsen.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-17Inter-City Paper Company: playing cards, undated. 2 decks.
LocationBox
154.L.15.13B3International Multifoods, 1998-2000.
LocationBox
154.L.16.2F6Larsen Design promotional materials, Standardized Sign System, and the Minnesota Graphic Designers Association (MGDA):
Larsen 25th Anniversary:
Description, 2000.
Color slides backstage, September 27, 2000.
Proofs and negatives, September 27, 2000.
Black and white prints, September 27, 2000.
LocationBox
153.A.17.3B-19Larsen 25th Anniversary, Walker Art Center Gala invitation books, 2000. 2 volumes.
Location
Internet25th Birthday Celebration, September 23, 2000. 1 video file: MP4, color, sound; 248 MB.
25th Birthday Celebration, September 23, 2000. Digital version
Location
Internet25th Birthday Celebration digital photographs, September 23, 2000:
25th Birthday Celebration photographs, 1 of 2, 2000. 1 ZIP file (20.9 MB):
25th Birthday Celebration photographs, 1 of 2, 2000.zip Download
001020_2161. 47 digital images: JPEG:
IMG001.JPG-IMG047.JPG
25th Birthday Celebration photographs, 2 of 2, 2000. 1 ZIP file (110 MB):
25th Birthday Celebration photographs, 2 of 2, 2000.zip Download
001020_8439. 251 digital images: JPEG:
IMG001.JPG-IMG251.JPG
Hi-Res, 2000. 1 ZIP file (15.3 MB):
Hi-Res.zip Download
516001.jpg
516002.jpg
516003.jpg
516004.jpg
516005.jpg
516006.jpg
516007.jpg
516008.jpg
516009.jpg
516010.jpg
516011.jpg
516012.jpg
516013.jpg
516014.jpg
516015.jpg
516016A.jpg
Location
InternetLarsen: Ideas in Motion, 2000. 1 ZIP file (142 MB).
Includes installable files for interactive software prepared for the 25th Anniversary Celebration.
The readme.txt file details hardware and software requirements, and instructions for installation.
LARSEN.zip Download
LocationBox
154.L.16.2F625th Birthday Celebration 120 film positives, 2000:
Inspiration. 1 small box containing 120 film positives.
Identity. 1 small box containing 120 film positives.
CD-ROM. 1 small box containing 120 film positives.
Larsen brand (Airplane dress). 1 small box containing 120 film positives.
Packaging. 1 small box containing 120 film positives.
Collatoral. 1 small box containing 120 film positives.
Exhibits. 2 small boxes containing 120 film positives.
Packaging. 1 small box containing 120 film positives.
Branding (Kimono). 1 small box containing 120 film positives.
Writing. 1 small box containing 120 film positives.
Signage. 1 small box containing 120 film positives.
Web sites 2. 1 small box containing 120 film positives.
LocationBox
153.A.17.3B-19To: Hab. 1 small box containing 120 film positives.
Display calendars: Larsen Design, 1999-2005. 7 items.
Larsen coffee mugs, undated. 2 items.
I'm Y20K.com: coffee mug, hat, sweatshirt, and pins, approximately 2000. 5 items.
The Tim Larsen Scholarship for Design Excellence, September 26, 2000.
Minnesota Graphic Designers Association membership, 1979-1980.
"Got a minute?" Larsen Design, 2004.
"Give Earth a chance" button, artwork, and 35 mm slides of student work, 1974.
Larsen Design, 2003.
LocationBox
153.A.17.3B-210Award certificates (partial), 1981-2011.
LocationBox
154.L.14.14F12Professional member, Society for Environmental Graphic Design, undated.
Biographical information and business cards, undated, 2015.
Larsen Standardized Sign System, 1979.
Larsen Design + Interactive, 25th Birthday Celebration, September 27, 2000. 1 videocassette (VHS).
Larsen Design promotion, marketing, and work samples, 1981-2013. 9 folders.
Location
InternetLarsen Interactive, 1995. 1 ZIP file (62.3 MB).
Includes installable files for interactive software prepared for clients to highlight the work of Larsen Interactive.
The readme.WRI file details hardware and software requirements, and instructions for installation.
LARSEN INTERACTIVE.zip Download
LocationFolder
A2/ov8 Drawer 711The 1986 Minnesota Graphic Designers Association Conference at Lutsen poster and College of Visual Arts brochure, 1986 and approximately 2009.
LocationFolder
+3631-3Standardized Sign System:
Brochures, keylines, and sign designs for a system Tim Larsen created in his early career.
Tim Larsen pivoted away from sign system design to focus on graphic design and design consulting. As a result, he sold the marketing rights for the sign system to Earl F. Anderson & Association, Inc.
1st Bank Place, brochure keylines, undated. 3 folders.
LocationFolder
+3644Sign solution, price sheet, keylines, 1980.
5-7Signs, 1976, 1979. 3 folders.
LocationFolder
+3658Keylines, undated.
10Sign Systems: Keylines and brochures, 1979.
LocationBox
153.A.17.3B-19Elevator sign, undated.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-17Leider, 1985. 1 volume and design box.
Larsen created the graphic design work for both the box and book titled Taking charge by Richard J. Leider and James S. Harding, Lieder-Harding Enterprises, Inc. (1985).
LocationBox
154.L.15.13B3Leonard, Street and Deinard, 1998.
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153.A.17.2F-17Le Saucier Company, undated. 2 small boxes.
Design for sauce boxes.
LocationBox
154.L.15.13B3LifeScience Alley, 2006.
Loffler (identity), undated.
MDU Resources Group, Inc., 1994-2005. 3 folders.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 1994, 1998, 2000. 2 folders.
Includes brochures, Treasures from the Minneapolis of Arts (1998) book, and museum signage.
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (3M), undated.
MTS Systems, 1971, 2008.
Management Data Systems, undated.
Marquette Asset Management, undated.
Marvin Windows, 1992-1993.
Mayo Clinic, 1995.
Medical Graphics, 1995.
Medtronic, 2008.
Metropolitan Financial Corporation, 1991-1992.
LocationBox
154.L.15.14F4Micropolis, 1992, 1994.
Microsoft Business Solutions, 2003.
Minneapolis Planetarium:
Minneapolis Planetarium, undated.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-28Glow-in-the-dark canvas bag and t-shirt, undated.
LocationBox
154.L.15.14F4Minneapolis Public Library, 2003.
Signage done for Cesar Pelli, the architect for the library.
Minnesota Journalism Center (identity), undated.
Envelope only designed by Larsen.
Minnesota Public Radio, 1989, 1998.
Minnesota State Department of Revenue, undated, 2002.
Multi-Tech Systems, 2000.
NEO Corporation, undated.
NRG Energy, Inc., 1996-1998.
NSP (Northern States Power Company), undated.
Neighborhood Counseling Center (identity), undated.
Letterhead only designed by Larsen.
Nexen Group, Inc., undated.
Northwest Airlines:
World Club signage guidelines, undated, 1990.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-17World Club signs, undated. 6 signs.
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154.L.15.14F4Novellus Systems:
Novellus Systems, undated, 1995-2003. 4 folders.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-17Novellus Systems, undated.
LocationBox
153.A.17.3B-210Kit box: Novellus Systems and Semicon West, 1999-2000.
LocationBox
154.L.15.14F4Open Republic, 2002-2003, 2005, 2007-2008, 2010, 2012-2013.
Open Systems, Inc., 1986.
Opus Corporation and BetaWest Properties, Inc., undated, 1983-1988, 1990, 1992-1993.
Includes 1 Bank Place hardbound book, keylines done for Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, and a brochure done for the property 150 S Fifth in Minneapolis.
Osmonics, Inc., undated.
Osseo and Maple Grove Area Chamber of Commerce (identity), undated.
Park Dental, 1993.
Park Nicollet, undated.
Penumbra, 2006-2007.
LocationBox
154.L.16.1B5Piper Jaffray, approximately 1995, 2003-2004.
Public Relations Society of America, 1989.
Quantum, 1994.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-17Rapid Refill, undated.
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154.L.16.1B5Reliastar (formerly NWNL), 1990-1996, 1998. 2 folders.
Remedy Corporation, 2000.
St. Jude Medical, 1991, 1993-1997, 1999, 2001, 2003-2005. 2 folders.
Schwab, 2010.
St. Paul Co. (Properties), undated.
Shelter Corporation, undated.
Includes design work done for The Waters & The Registry Hotel at Pelican Bay, a property owned by the company.
Siemens, 1993.
Souris-Red-Rainy River Basins Commission, approximately 1970.
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, 1991, 1993.
Spanlink Communications, 1996.
Special Olympics, undated.
Starkey, 2005-2007.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-17Starkey, undated, 2006. 1 folder and 1 small box.
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154.L.16.1B5Summit Medical, 1995.
Target, undated.
Brochure done for the product iFix, an under the sink tool bag kit.
Thrivent, 2002.
Tokyo Electron America, undated.
Tonka, undated.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-17Tonka, undated.
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154.L.16.1B5Towers Perrin, undated.
Tru-Si, undated.
Upper Midwest Automated Clearing House (UMACHA), undated.
Includes check sample.
U.S. Bank (formerly First Bank System), 1979, 1992-1993, 1997, 2008.
U.S. Department of Interior, 1975-1976.
Two brochures done for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Ultra Wheels (Skate Attack), undated.
Unimerica, May 2003.
University of Minnesota and various departments, undated, 1986, 2010-2011.
LocationBox
153.A.17.2F-17University of Minnesota: Graphic standards and College of Design, 1988, 2010.
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154.L.16.1B5Wausau Paper, 1996, 2004, 2011.
Various designed brochures done to advertise paper products.
LocationBox
154.L.16.2F6Wausau Paper, undated, 2001, 2003-2009. 3 folders.
Westwood Professional Services, undated.

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Expand/CollapseWORK PORTFOLIOS

LocationBox
153.A.17.3B-210Portfolio, 1996-2004. 1 volume.
LocationBox
153.A.17.4F-111Portfolios, 1999-2007. 3 volumes.

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Expand/CollapseRELATED MATERIALS

The American Institute of Graphic Arts Minnesota records and the Peter Seitz papers, a graphic arts colleague and contemporary of Larsen's, are also included in the Minnesota Historical Society manuscripts collections.

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Expand/CollapseCATALOG HEADINGS

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the Minnesota Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Topics:
Graphic artists -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis.
Graphic arts -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis.
Art teachers -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis.
Commercial art -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis.
Art -- Study and teaching.
Graphic arts -- California -- San Francisco.
Organizations:
American Institute of Graphic Arts. Minnesota Chapter. author.
Larsen Design, author.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, author.
College of Visual Arts, author.
Document Types:
Drawings.
Graphic design.
Photographs.
Posters.
Catalogs.
Annual reports.
Brochures.
Videocassettes.
Color slides.
Signage.
Digital images.
Video recordings.

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