Book Review: Contemporary Collage

Collage as art has always been around, though it became firmly established in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Modern artists have been rediscovering the wonders of collage, especially as technology’s helped bend our imagination.

Cutting Edges: Contemporary Collage is an impressive collection of modern collage from over 75 artists who have approached printed matter with their own unique fashion. While this book is undoubtedly excellent eye candy, we think you’ll find it inspiring and an excellent reminder that print is most certainly not dead.

Book cover image from here.

July 8, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: The Modernist

Design throwbacks are frequently expressed in the world of fashion, but in the past few years retro aesthetics have taken hold of graphic design.

The Modernist documents this fascinating design aesthetic that seamlessly fuses classical type elements from the 1950s, geometric patterns and graphic elements of the 1960s and 1970s, and the vector graphics and computer-aided montage of the 1990s. We love this book for its exciting collection of graphic design and fine art.

Click here for more imagery.

July 1, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Papercraft 2

When Papercraft was published 2 years ago, it covered the most current innovations in paper art. Since its release, the medium has flourished left right and center, from scenography and fashion design to marketing and advertising. Recently released, Papercraft 2 covers the amazing leap in breadth and level of quality since the early days of the first release. The book documents how techniques such as cutting, folding, gluing, and collage help designers craft innovative communication design, products, and artwork from these materials that reach new creative heights. Click here to watch the trailer.

June 23, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: The Geometry of Pasta

The Geometry of Pasta is not your everyday cookbook. No, this book is a delight for all graphic design, pasta-loving fans. In addition to over 100 recipes from Chef Jacob Kenedy, the accompanying pages are filled with black and white pasta renderings. Kenedy has teamed up with the award-winning designer Caz Hildebrand to reveal the science, history and philosophy behind some spectacular Italian dishes.

Everything about the book is well designed, making it a bona fide treat for the eyes while teaching tricks of the trade for your belly. This fusion of food meets design has become an instant classic that will need a space on your bookshelf. To purchase, click here.

June 15, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Hand-Printing Techniques

If you’ve delved in (and enjoyed) any of the inspiring books we’ve mentioned over the past month, we think you’ll love our latest pick. Christine Schmidt of Yellow Owl Workshop is adding to the DIY mix with her fantastic new book, Print Workshop: Hand-Printing Techniques + Truly Original Projects.

In her book, Christine shows you how to roll up your sleeves and create and do everything from custom printed fabric to a deck of cards with a wide range of ideas. Different types of printing techniques are explained and explored, materials and composition discussed, all put in an accessible voice that will have your mind brimming with ideas and a sense of possibility at your fingertips.

If you don’t believe us, check out her fun video tutorial on creating your own carved rubber stamps:

June 9, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Cutting Edge of Wallpaper

If you’re into design, you’ve likely noticed the world of wallpaper has been steadily catapulting itself out from under the stuffy florals and wacky geometrics of our past.

Today, wallpaper can be traditional or modern, stretching boundaries of what once defined it. The Cutting Edge of Wallpaper pays tribute to this exciting trend, looking at the techniques, products and designers at the forefront of contemporary wallpaper design.

The book is beautifully comprehensive with sections covering the background and history of wallpaper, an exploration on how technology changes have affected the field presently and in the future, and a look at some exciting collaborations and intersections with architecture and art. Of course, there are an abundance of examples from some of today’s top and emerging talents in print and wallpaper design, all filtered into the categories of figurative, abstract, decorative, architectural, technical and Interactive.

For more images via Print Pattern, click here.

May 31, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik