Illustrating his ideas with examples of his own stunning graphic work, as well as an eclectic collection of masterpieces, Rand discusses such topics as: the relation between art and business: the presentation of design ideas and sketches to prospective clients: the debate over typographic style; and the aesthetics of combinatorial geometry as applied to the grid. His book will engage and enlighten anyone interested in the practice or theory of graphic design.
Paul Rand's stature as one of the world's leading graphic designers is incontestable. For half a century his pioneering work in the field of advertising design and typography has exerted a profound influence on the design profession; he almost single-handedly transformed "commercial art" from a practice that catered to the lowest common denominator of taste to one that could assert its place among the other fine arts. Among the numerous clients for whom he has been a consultant and/or designer are the American Broadcasting Company, IBM Corporation, and Westinghouse Electric Corporation. In this witty and instructive book, Paul Rand speaks about the contemporary practice of graphic design, explaining the process and passion that foster good design and indicting faddism and trendiness. Illustrating his ideas with examples of his own stunning graphic work as well as with the work of artists he admires, Rand discusses such topics as: the values on which aesthetic judgments are based; the part played by intuition in good design; the proper relationship between management and designers; the place of market research; how and when to use computers in the production of a design; choosing a typeface; principles of book design; and the thought processes that lead to a final design. The centerpiece of the book consists of seven design portfolios - with diagrams and ultimate choices - that Rand used to present his logos to clients such as Next, IDEO, and IBM.
One of the seminal texts of graphic design, Paul Rand's Thoughts on Design is now available for the first time since the 1970s. Writing at the height of his career, Rand articulated in his slender volume the pioneering vision that all design should seamlessly integrate form and function. This facsimile edition preserves Rand's original 1947 essay with the adjustments he made to its text and imagery for a revised printing in 1970, and adds only an informative and inspiring new foreword by design luminary Michael Bierut. As relevant today as it was when first published, this classic treatise is an indispensable addition to the library of every designer.
This book takes you on a journey where no writer has ever taken you before. Author Valerie Kirschenbaum not only dreams of a Renaissance "the likes of which the world has never seen", she gives you the actual blueprint. In warm and intimate prose, she shows you how and why we will experience this Renaissance in our lifetime. Responding to the recent National Endowment for the Arts survey, which documented a precipitous, 20-year decline in America's reading habits, she presents an electrifying new solution for captivating a generation of readers reared on television, movies and music videos. With 860 gorgeous, full colour images from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Maya, India, China, Japan, Tibet, and medieval Europe (many never seen by an American audience), Kirschenbaum provides what world renowned graphic designer Milton Glaser described as "the visual history of the universe and its relationship to writing." She combines the breathtaking beauty of illuminated manuscripts with today's latest technologies to create a scintillating multisensory experience.
Graphic Design and Religion by Daniel Kantor challenges the way we look at the role of graphic design within a religious context. The beautiful and abundant illustrations coupled with the passionately written text transcend the mere visual aspect of symbols and graphic design, elevating them to a spiritual way of seeing. It is an ideal resource for design students, teachers, photographers, illustrators, copywriters, clergy, worship and environment planners, and sacred art enthusiasts! This vital work can help designers discover their role in the creation of sacred art. One way in which Kantor accomplishes this is to draw a comparison between the illuminators of the Middle Ages with modern day graphic designers who serve religion today. Kantor stresses the need for a heightened awareness of graphic design within religion and demonstrates how good design must be seen as an essential component of authentic religious hospitality. --
As one of the most influential and inspirational graphic designers of the twentieth century, Paul Rand defined modern American graphic design. His iconic logo designs for IBM, UPS, and the ABC television network distilled the essences of modernity for his corporate patrons. His body of work includes advertising, poster, magazine, and book designs—characterized by simplicity and a wit uniquely his own. His ability to discuss design with insight and humor made him one of the most revered design educators of our time. This latest volume of the popular Conversations with Students series presents Rand's last interview, recorded at Arizona State University one year before his death in 1996. Beginners and seasoned design professionals alike will be informed by Rand's words and thoughts on varied topics ranging from design philosophy to design education.
Collects some of designer Michael Bierut's best essays on design, covering such topics as color-coded terrorism alerts, the cover of "Catcher in the Rye," the planet Saturn, and the town of Celebration, Florida.
