She Designed Meta’s New AI Logo.. The Internet Attacked Her!

Summary

Jessica Hische’s work refining the “M” logo for Meta’s Muse AI drew criticism from designers who objected to her helping brand an AI product for Meta. The video clarifies that Meta had already supplied an initial sketch; Hische’s role was to develop it by adjusting the strokes and exploring more than 30 variations. She shared the original sketch and her iterations with The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Hische told WIRED that she accepted the commission partly because her orders had declined and the income helped support her shops and employees. She was paid $12,500 for a two-day design sprint, then spent another two weeks sketching. She also argued that hiring an independent artist for the work was worth recognizing in an era of AI-powered design.

Critics—including illustrator Fatima and marketing director Autumn Williams—condemned the decision on ethical grounds, rather than focusing only on the logo’s design. The video notes that some people reportedly asked Hische to keep the commission private, while others attacked her personally. WIRED reported that photographs of her home were posted online; Hische said the backlash left her crying in bed for two days. Asked whether she regretted taking the job, she answered, “Not really.”

The narrator argues that designers can strongly disagree about the ethics of a commission, but criticism should not become harassment or expose someone’s private life. The incident, the video suggests, raises broader concerns about increasingly polarized debate in the design industry: if people fear personal attacks, they may stop sharing their decisions and experiences, making open discussion harder.

Presenters and contributors

• Presenter/narrator: Unnamed in the subtitles; associated with Satori Graphics.
• Jessica Hische: Designer whose commission is discussed.
• Fatima: Illustrator quoted criticizing the decision; surname not given.
• Autumn Williams: Marketing director quoted criticizing the decision.