The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) did not begin awarding medals until 1920, and the first medals were awarded in 1921. In 1921, a total of six AIGA medals were awarded to distinguished individuals for their contributions to the field of graphic design. The recipients of the first AIGA medals in 1921 were Frederic W. Goudy, Daniel Berkeley Updike, Will Bradley, Thomas Maitland Cleland, D.B. Updike, and Carl Purington Rollins. These medals are recognized as one of the highest honors in the field of graphic design.