Book Review: Fingerprint

When we first realized we could use technology to bend design, we all went crazy. After years spent in front of computer screen, a backlash has occurred, as a growing number of designers have been opting out of the digital territory for craftier aspirations.

Fingerprint: The Art of Using Hand-Made Elements in Graphic Design documents this change, showcasing a variety of designers that possess the versatility, variety and quality that can be acquired from tangible art. Pick up a copy and you may just be inspired to grab your pen, pencil or paintbrush.

March 18, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Pattern Design & Beyond

Fellow pattern lovers Claudia Brown and Jessie Whipple Vickery started their careers working on freelance graphic design projects. In 2007, the two decided to forgo the limitations of a strictly graphic design career and start Pattern People, their own surface design studio. The process of growing their now flourishing business has been exhilarating, though not always easy. The two recently pooled their insider secrets for their new e-book, Pattern Design & Beyond: An Insider’s Guide to Creating and Managing Your Own Surface Design Career.

With how-to pattern design guides, a thorough break-down of how the print industry operates and loads of helpful resources, their e-book provides a wealth of information for the burgeoning surface designer. The book also showcases over 80 international artists whose work illustrates the many print styles found in the market. Pattern Design & Beyond is an inspirational guide for students, professionals or anyone else with an appreciation for pattern design.

March 9, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Contemporary Graphic Design

The world of graphic design is constantly evolving and Taschen’s latest creative endeavor, Contemporary Graphic Design showcases the work of 100 of the world’s most cutting-edge designers today.

Alongside the array of visually stunning and thought-provoking advertisements, CD covers, posters, packaging, websites, and corporate identities are texts by each designer expressing his or her individual approach to graphic design as well as personal insights into the motivations behind the work.

By presenting a provocative survey of the most experimental and forward-looking design from around the globe, this book provides a intriguing snapshot of where the discipline presently stands and hopefully offers directions for the future.

March 2, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Papercraft: Design & Art with Paper

The renaissance of paper as an experimental medium has simply skyrocketed over the past few years. If you have a soft spot in your heart for all of the fantastic creations artists have been producing, then Papercraft: Design and Art With Paper is an excellent find.

The book gathers the most extraordinary creations ranging from small objects and figures to large-scale art installations and urban interventions. The vast spectrum ranges from character design, urban art, fine art, graphic design, illustration, fashion, animation and film. Paging through the book and accompanying DVD, it’s easy and thrilling to get caught up in all the things you can do with this budget-friendly medium.

February 23, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Simply Pattern

A great pattern can convert any surface into something special, so it’s easy to see why designers swoon when they see unique textures. For centuries, designers used patterns to inject new energy into their work. Simply Pattern is a compilation of today’s best designers and displays outstanding work ranging from packaging, textiles, wallpaper, stationery, clothing, furniture, boutiques, and dining utensils. The wide variety of applications reveal how graphic elements can be arranged randomly or thoughtfully in order to bring a modern, classic or dynamic effect to any project. Great as eye candy or as a potent source of inspiration, we highly recommend adding this to your library.

February 16, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: D&AD, Advertising & Design

D&AD is a nonprofit educational charity launched in 1962 by a group of London-based designers and art directors. Created to support and nurture creative professionals, D&AD recognizes and awards the best work coming out of the design industry. Over 20,000 works from design studios, advertising agencies, branding consultancies, film production and photographic agencies, digital media pioneers, and other creative firms from all over the globe are sent in to be reviewed by the D&AD panel of judges. Winners receive the legendary D&AD Yellow Pencil Award—or in the case of exceptional and outstanding work, the rare Black Pencil Award. The annual review, which covers the past year’s best creative work is a testament to the constant evolution of the design world, a documentation of what’s hot in field and, of course, a perfect piece for any coffee table.

February 9, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik