Book Review: Pulled

Mike Perry has created another awesome book, this time exploring the world of screen printing with Pulled. Popularized by Andy Warhol in the 1960’s, screen printing continues to be a popular medium among artists for its remarkable versatility and relatively low cost. Perry has gathered together over 40 of today’s most talented designers who are each pushing the boundaries of this dynamic medium in their own, distinct way. Since the book is sure to get your creative juices flowing, an illustrated how-to section is also included so you can venture to explore screen printing on your own if you don’t already.

Though we missed the release party, the book is on sale and ready to fill your brain with inspiration!

May 25, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Abstract Graffiti

What was once strictly dismissed as lowly graffiti has become known as street art, which has in turn become considered, in some cases, high art. Indeed, street art in its many forms has captured the world’s interest and Cedar Lewisohn’s book, Abstract Graffiti, provides a vibrant account of this evolution.

In it, Lewisohn explores the outer limits of graffiti as a global movement from the abstract to the avant-garde. He covers everything including Knit Graffiti and Street Training as well as the historical lineage of these abstract trends. Also addressing such issues of protest, crime, the place of street art in museums as well as the evolution of materials, this book offers interesting insights into some of the most exciting and challenging work on the contemporary art scene.

For more imagery, click here and here.

May 18, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: The Design Entrepreneur

If you’re a freelance graphic designer, you probably have a few Clients From Hell stories up your sleeve. You probably also have an ever-growing file filled with product design ideas that need completing. If you’ve thought about venturing out into the world of self-employment, you might find Steven Heller and Lita Talarico’s book, The Design Entrepreneur: Turning Graphic Design into Goods that Sell to be quite useful. The book is filled with inspirational and informative case studies and interviews from designers around the globe, such as Dave Eggers, Maira Kalman, Charles Spencer Anderson, Seymour Chwast, Jet Mous, Nicholas Callaway and Jordi Duró.

Each example explores the why, what and how of the creative process. Heller and Talarico have also included a section of ‘how-tos’ on being a design entrepreneur, ranging from concept to production.

April 20, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Handmade Graphics

We’ve been tooting the horn of handmade design lately, showcasing books filled with DIY inspiration. But oftentimes after paging through, we end up wondering, how did they do that?

Luckily, Anna Wray created Handmade Graphics: Tools and Techniques Beyond the Mouse for that intent purpose. While still filled with a bounty of inspiring designs, this book presents a vast array of mark-making tools and techniques that are explored and illustrated with examples and exercises that will help motivate you to explore their use in your own work. If you ask us, inspiration mixed with motivation make this book a winner.

More images here & here.

April 13, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Over and Over

We’re great admirers of Mike Perry and his book, Over and Over: A Catalog of Hand-Drawn Patterns. In it, he presents a collection groundbreaking work curated from 55 of today’s most talented designers who create patterns by hand and use them in inventive and innovative ways.

While the computer has lent a certain degree of ease to designing in repetition, it is the hand drawn counterparts that resonate with complexity, organic sensibility and a meaning of what makes a pattern a pattern. The influences and styles are diverse and provide an ample amount of eye-candy and inspiration that’ll have you reaching for a pen and paper.

Images via Parka Blogs

March 31, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Pattern Magic 2

Not long ago we covered the fashion cult favorite, Pattern Magic. If you enjoyed delving into the intricacies of the unique patterns Japanese designers are known for, you’ll love the second volume, which was recently released in English. Here you’ll find even more fascinating designs and instructions on how to manipulate your own patterns into unexpected shapes and forms. Crack this book open for instruction and inspiration into the beauty, art and architecture that is fashion design.

March 23, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik