‘Ampelmann’…How to Turn Traffic Signs into Icons

West German born designer Markus Heckhausen turned the Ampelmann
that graced East German traffic lights with their vivid ‘Steher (Wait)‘ and ‘Geher (Walk)‘ signals into a fashion icon. It might prove that everything that was created behind the Berlin Wall was not staid. His company offers T-Shirts, Lamps and many more items displaying the little guys.
They have found a following in Japan as well.
Deutsche Welle showcased Markus Heckhausen as Traffic-Light Man and I discovered him by reading Little Men who signal success (registration required) in today’s Financial Times.