Lenny Letter:

If you happen to be reading this on a Mac, take a look at the command key — it was designed by Susan Kare back in the ’80s, a time when computer screens were often black spaces with blinking cursors and the mouse was an exciting feature. The ⌘ symbol’s longevity is a testament to Kare’s prowess as a designer. She joined Apple in 1982 to design icons and fonts for one of the first personal computers with a graphic interface, the Macintosh.

She’s since gone on to create thousands of icons for hundreds of companies. For Windows 3, she designed the solitaire game; for Facebook, she created the original Gifts. Kare now works at Pinterest, where she’s a product-design lead. IRL, she’s whip-smart and wry. Earlier this month, Kare explained how to design an icon that stands the test of time, gave the scoop on working with a young Steve Jobs, and revealed the symbols she’s still trying to get right.

I always love reading about Kare. Her work has subtly influenced so much of what we Mac users see and do.