The School of Art + Art History + Design is sad to announce the passing of our friend and colleague Anne Traver (1952-2024). Anne was born in Vancouver on November 1, 1952, and died peacefully on September 18, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Anne’s ties to the School go back over 50 years when she studied for her BFA in Graphic Design (1976). She was an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Design from 2014 through 2020. Anne was an unparalleled design leader and a wonderful teacher, mentor, and guiding light for our creative community. As Owner and Creative Director at Traver Company and then Co-owner and Creative Director at Methodologie, her work became a touchstone in the design world, recognized nationally and internationally for its creativity and innovation. Learn more about Anne in her obituary on the Seattle Times.
Remembrances
Kristine Matthews (Design Faculty, Graphic Design alum 1990, and Traver Company graphic designer 1991–95)
To say that Anne was an important figure in my life would be a huge understatement. She was and always will be a remarkable role model: as a “boss,” as a teacher, as a leader, and later on, I was so proud simply to consider her a good friend. As a young designer only about a year out of school when I started at The Traver Company, I just did not appreciate how lucky I was to land a position with someone like Anne at the helm. Aside from her impeccable taste and her creative talent, which seemed limitless, she was such a gracious and kind leader — always ready with a laugh, even when it meant she was laughing at herself. Though she never shouted, when Anne spoke, everyone listened. When I left The Traver Company for grad school in London after four years with the firm, I had soaked up so many design and life lessons from Anne. Amongst these was taking for granted that of course a woman can lead one of the best creative design studios around. (Even though, when I looked at the stats, I realized she was in a shockingly tiny minority, back in the 90s.) I have tried to emulate Anne through my entire life in design, but know that I cannot come close to all that she was, all that she did, and all the people she touched. I will miss her terribly but was so privileged to know her.
Nick Sterlington (Graphic Design Alum 1989 and Traver Company graphic designer 1989–92)
Hi Anne, It's me, Nick.
Last November (2023), I met Anne for a long-needed visit. I was in from NYC and our plan was to meet in front of her fancy downtown apartment building for a coffee and stroll. It was a typical Seattle day, rainy and gloomy. I texted Anne to let her know I was outside her building, and it was freezing in Seattle. The front door opens and out comes Anne in the perfect swing coat in the perfect pistachio color, carrying her shopping tote, looking ageless. She stood outside very still, looking left and right for me. She looked right through me as if I was a stranger. Finally, I went, “Anne! it’s me, Nick!” She peered at me over her classic round-framed glasses and said “My god, you grew up! And that mustache!” She hugged me tightly, grabbed my arm, and directed me to start walking. She needed flowers and salmon for Henry’s dinner. We strolled through Pike Place Market talking and laughing, mainly about old times. She told me how proud she was of me for making it in the Big Apple, which made me feel like Mary Tyler Moore. She wanted to walk on cement instead of cobblestones for stability, and we ended up walking right past the entrance of Traver Company. At that moment, she stopped me in mid-sentence to look me directly in the eye and said, “Nick, you know I’m sick…right?” I nodded, yes. She squeezed my arm tighter, and we continued to walk to the flower stand before it closed.
I love you, Anne. Thanks for being my friend for all these years.
Judy Anderson (Former Design VCD Faculty)
Memories of Anne Elegant. Always elegant. My memories of Anne are interwoven with a group of women in the design/art community: Paula, Claudia, Ellen, and others. We worked and played together, supporting each other along the way. Anne had an infectious chuckle, and was, in my opinion, the most stylish, gracious designer in the Pacific Northwest! I moved from Seattle in 2002, just when she was diagnosed with MS. We kept in touch over the years, and saw each other during my Seattle visits. How I respected and envied her grace in the studio and grace in her life as she navigated the changes that illness brought. Anne was excited to return to her ceramic studio in late June when Ellen and I visited her. Unfortunately, she never was able to do that. Throughout our friendship she always had a smile on her beautiful face, the most hip haircut possible, a positive attitude, and yes, elegance. She was a glorious force of nature! I will miss her dearly.
John Whitehill-Ward (Former Design VCD Faculty)
Anne was always a valued contributor to the quality of the Graphic Design program through her roles as guest faculty and influential Seattle designer. She will be missed personally by many and her passing is a loss to the Seattle and University design communities.
Mark Popich (VCD alum 1991)
Anne was an icon. I admired her so much but unlike my experience with some of her contemporaries, I was never intimidated by her—even though I probably should have been—because she treated me as a fellow designer, not some kid who still had a lot to learn. She was gravitas and grace, all at once. She was both interesting and interested in equal measure. And the quality of the people she gathered around her throughout her career speaks volumes. Whenever I was lucky enough to be in her company I felt like I was part of something special. I’m glad to have known her, if only a little, and I’m honored she knew me, if only a little.