TURNTABLE LAB

25000km De Signes Book

804 pages of signage from around the world

Winner of the 2006 Spanish National Design Award, this book documents Carmen Revilla and Luis Moron's 25 year quest to photograph compelling signage around the world. This beautifully designed book features thousands of images, taken with a diverse range of cameras. The book is divided into continent, country, and city; and each photo is well documented. The book itself is a mini-hulk, measuring 5" x 6.75" and an amazing 2.75" depth. A boon for designers and travelers. Hardcover, 804 pages, comes packaged in an outer sleeve. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / art + design books / photography books

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Adrian Shaughnessy
How To Be A Graphic Designer, Without Losing Your Soul Book

Wow, every designer should probably read this book. I wish this was around 10 years ago. Just check out the chapter titles: attributes needed by the modern designer, how to find a job, being freelance, setting up a studio, running a studio, winning new work, clients, self-promotion, and the creative process. The subjects are also enhanced by interviews with some very successful designers like Neville Brody, Natalie Hunter, Rudy Vanderlans, and others. Did I mention the book design is freaking awesome too? Softcover, 160 pages, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / graphic design books / designer resources

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Andy Howell
Art, Skateboarding & Life Book

This books offers a look at the entire career of skater slash designer slash artist Andy Howell. The book is presented in a very personal way, there's a good amount of text and the layout borrows styles of old skate zines and skate mags. The story begins with his youth days in Virginia Beach, his early influences, and his rise to pro skater. These stories are illuminated by quotes, vintage photos, old skate products, and skate mag excerpts. If you grew up in the same period, this stuff is quite incredible. For the designers, the book really picks up with the chapter on New Deal skateboard company. Howell provided the visual direction for this super-influential company (recognized as one of the forces that shifted skate graphics to more of an urban direction). The book proceeds into a lengthy section on Howell's paintings. And just when you think it should end, you've only gone halfway through the book. The book gets deeper into Andy's drawings, early urban skating in nyc, starting new companies, and much more. This book is much more than a design book, it's more like an well illustrated manual on the DIY life. And if that's not enough, the book comes with 2 accompanying DVDs. Hardcover, over 300 pages.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / all / art + design books

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Armin Hoffman
Graphic Design Manual Book

Every so often, your courageous book buyer gets geeked like hell over some old Swiss design book. Here's another source of weakness, as we have finally scored Armin Hofmann's landmark Graphic Design Manual (cue the string section). Lucky bastards, this has been out of print for a while (I had to go search booksellers for mine). Visually, this is quite possibly the best book that covers the basic design elements. While most books on this subject start with mundane visual examples (the basics) and work their way up in interest, Hoffmann's level of visual stimulation stays very high from beginning to end. He incorporates his incredible graphic patterns, notable commercial applications, and even works of art. And like the books of Josef Muller Brockmann, the captions play a vital role, pointing out insightful design theories. The basics were never so beautiful. A must-have for the graphic designer.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / all / graphic design books

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Banksy
Wall & Piece (Softcover) Book

The definitive book on Banksy's work. This guy is now an official art superstar- I went to that show he did in Los Angeles a couple months back and shit was bonkers. 300 yard lines to get in, Brangelina buying up nearly everything on the opening night, a painted live elephant, huge newspaper coverage, the whole deal. I mean this guy is MAJOR now. And while he's released three small picture books, this is the only true compendium of his work in print. It chronicles all his major works & mediums, from the beginning monkey stencils up to his full blown "street sculptures", brand burning and political work, peppered with writing, advice, explanations and such. I personally don't get off much on his fame or images, but I'm continually impressed with the scope and impact of his projects. Wherever you stand on his work, this shit is thought provoking, powerful and out there for people to experience- which is the most important thing. 210 pages, full color, soft cover. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / graf books / art + design books

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Beautiful Losers Book

This book was made in conjunction with the massive art survey of the same name, currently showing in San Francisco's Yerba Buena center. If you caught Tokion's genre-defining "Disobedients" issue, Beautiful Losers is like a continuation of that thought line, the summation of many years of gallery shows, art projects, and publications that have been related in spirit. It features just about every "big" name that is associated with that movement- Barry McGee, Chris Johanson, Mike Mills, Mark Gonzales, Tobin Yelland, Margaret Kilgallen, Spike Jonze, Espo, Geoff McFetridge, Kaws, Ed Templeton, Shepard Fairey, Harmony Korine, Phil Frost, Ryan McGinness, and many others. Yeah, that sounds like they're casting the net a bit wide, but this mass of information and artwork is presented in such a thoughtful manner that it comes together without a hitch. In addition to showcasing the artwork, the book consists of informative articles that give us the background on how this loosely related conglomeration of people and styles came to be. This consists of an impressive collection of images + stories that speak about the social scene, past gallery shows, collectives, and the influences of the preceding generation (things like Dogtown and skate photographer Craig Stacyk, and the early 80s NYC scene); thankfully devoid of art school interpretations of what it all "means." The result is the most comprehensive piece we've seen thus far, and if you're gonna buy one book in this genre all year, this should be it. Softcover, about 275 pages.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / all / art + design books

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Behind The Beat Book

Stop wondering what the work spaces of your favorite producers look like. Behind The Beat provides an exclusive look into the home studios, collections and equipment of some of the top music creators in the game. Checkout Madlib's Loop Digga Hideaway and record collection; Shadow's records, equipment and favorite arcade machine; Automator's vintage gear collection, Premier's personal D&D studio, Numark's log cabin, and much, much more. RECOMMENDED.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
music + culture books / lab recommended / dj + producer specific books

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BNN
Camouflage Patterns Book & CD

Finally got a hold of this very in-demand designer's book (this isn't the DPM book). This Japanese book isn't really about the book itself, but rather the CD-ROM that comes with it. The CD features 100 royalty-free camouflage patterns in EPS and JPG formats. You'll be hard pressed to find a similar camo resource. The book serves as a look book for the files with full page examples. Includes variations on traditional camo, digital camo, and experimental camo. CD-ROM is Mac and Windows compatible.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / designer resources / all

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BNN
Free Style Scraps: Clips Book/CD

These BNN Scrap books from Japan are an excellent resource for both professional and amateur designers. Compared to other vector art collections, this series is generally of much higher quality, showcasing a clean, modern, very useful style. Each book displays the included art in a well-designed, organized manner (the books themselves could be design objects) and includes a CD with both EPS and JPEG formats. This volume focuses on various vector clip art, all done in a slightly-stylized, modern style. Sections include: lifestyle, vehicle, food, business, sports, culture, leisure, event, job, creature, plant, environment, symbol, frame, and alphabet. This particular volume is highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / designer resources / all

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BNN
Free Style Scraps: Frame/Line Book/CD

These BNN Scrap books from Japan are an excellent resource for both professional and amateur designers. Compared to other vector art collections, this series is generally of much higher quality, showcasing a clean, modern, very useful style. Each book displays the included art in a well-designed, organized manner (the books themselves could be design objects) and includes a CD with both EPS and JPEG formats. This volume focuses on frames and lines and covers over a 155 pages of different styles that range from extremely detailed to simple and everything in between. The possibilities are truly endless. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
lab recommended / designer resources / all

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BNN
Free Style Scraps: Silhouette Book/CD

These BNN Scrap books from Japan are an excellent resource for both professional and amateur designers. Compared to other vector art collections, this series is generally of much higher quality, showcasing a clean, modern, very useful style. Each book displays the included art in a well-designed, organized manner (the books themselves could be design objects) and includes a CD with both EPS and JPEG formats. This volume focuses on silhouettes and covers over 250 pages of different shapes that range from skylines, vehicles, people, animals, furniture, household items and more. BNN has truly made it a lot easier for you. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
lab recommended / designer resources / all

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BNN
Japanese Stencil Pattern Book & CD

In the same series as the ultra popular camo patterns and wood grain books, comes this volume of tradition Japanese stencil designs. I wasn't very familiar with Japanese stencils, but they offer incredible textures with fine details (check the closeup pics). There are over 100 royalty free patterns in JPEG format included on the CDR, while the book serves as a look-book for each pattern. Also includes a quick reference guide in the back of the book. Excellent for designers and asiaphiles.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / designer resources / all

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BNN
Logo A Lot Book

Nearly two inches thick, this resource guide contains well-recognized logos (collected between 1980 and the present) designed by 172 of the world's best-known graphic designers. Hard-bound and alphabetized by artist, this is a definitive volume of marketing iconography of the moment. Designers range from Seattle-based artist Art Chantry, who penned the most identifiable trademarks of the grunge era, to the global giant branding firm Siegel + Gale, as well as many worthy but lesser-known artists from Europe, North America and Asia. Entries span the spectrum from Fortune 500 companies to independent-label musicians to fashion designers and every type of brand in-between. An important addition to any graphic design library. Japanese import, hardcover, 7.5" x 7.5", 400 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / graphic design books / designer resources / all

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BNN
Petit Patterns: Check & Knit Book/CD

These BNN Petit Pattern books from Japan are an essential resource for graphic designers, pattern makers, anyone else visually obsessive. Each book is filled with high quality prints of each pattern, a cd with EPS(Illustrator) and JPEG(Photoshop) files that can be manipulated, and instructions for use in the field. This book focuses on Check and Knit patterns and covers over a 155 pages that range from mild to loud and everything in between. The possibilities are truly endless. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
lab recommended / designer resources / all

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BNN
Petit Patterns: Dots & Stripes Book/CD

These BNN Petit Pattern books from Japan are an essential resource for graphic designers, pattern makers, anyone else visually obsessive. Each book is filled with high quality prints of each pattern, a cd with EPS(Illustrator) and JPEG(Photoshop) files that can be manipulated, and instructions for use in the field. This book focuses on dots and stripe patterns and covers over a 155 pages of different styles that range from subtle to brilliant and everything in between. The possibilities are truly endless. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
lab recommended / designer resources / all

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BNN
Petit Patterns: Simple & Natural Book/CD

These BNN Petit Pattern books from Japan are an essential resource for graphic designers, pattern makers, anyone else visually obsessive. Each book is filled with high quality prints of each pattern, a cd with EPS(Illustrator) and JPEG(Photoshop) files that can be manipulated, and instructions for use in the field. This book focuses on simple, natural patterns and covers over a 155 pages of different styles that range from subtle to brilliant, and everything in between. The possibilities are truly endless. Recommended.
reviewed by Cmish

file under:
lab recommended / designer resources / all

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Bobbito Garcia
Where'd You Get Those? Book

It seems like this book has been in the making forever. It's been at least 6 or 7 years since we first started hearing the rumors that Bobbito was working on a book about sneakers. At the time, nobody had done anything like that, there were no "specialty" sneaker spots downtown and ebay hadn't even come into realization yet. Every once in a while, you'd hear another something about it (grumbling about the UK sneaker book, etc), but weather it was actually going to happen always seemed up in the air. And now here, in the thick of sneaker mania and reissue fever, comes Bob's book, landing like a brick on an expectant culture that has grown since his idea started. And it's oh so official. 265 pages covering the years of 1960 to 1987, with a particular focus on basketball shoes and an incredible attention to detail. Brands, colorways, editions, boxes, advertisements, history, customization, legends and personal stories- each shoe from each year is broken down with incredible accuracy by the people who were there to see and wear them. This crack team is made up of about 20 sneaker nuts including old school court legends like Pee Wee Kirkland and Joe "The Hammer" Hammond, connoisseurs and fiends like MC Serch, Kurious, Pete Nice, Jorge Pabon aka Fabel, Schott Free, Dante Ross and others. It's everything you'd want it to be- informative, entertaining, funny, designed by Brent Rollins, the whole bit. Couldn't be more recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / sneaker books

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Boogie
It's All Good Book

You've probably heard of much-lauded photographer Boogie and his amazing black & white snapshots of Brooklyn life at ArtCoup.com, but Brooklyn-based publisher Powerhouse books has done the art(sy) world a great favor by issuing the first proper collection of his work. It's All Good is assembled from pictures that Boogie took in some of NYC's grimiest hoods (Bed-Stuy, Bushwick, Queens) - pictures that capture a side of life that a lot of us will hear about but never truly know: dudes with hoods pulled over they eyes and two glocks drawn, crackheads and junkies living in squalor that would kill most, little kids having fun in the midst of it all because they don't know any better. The candid and incredible B&W snaps are interspersed with graphic anecdotes from some of the subjects that Boogie has photographed. To say this collection is "entertaining" would be an insult to the people who had to keep living after these pictures were taken; to say that it's sobering and endlessly fascinating would be more on point. The book is designed proper, too, with fully printed front and back covers on heavy hardcover stock, and the photographs are reproduced on 12" x 8" pages. 136 pages. Highly recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / photography books

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Boogie
Sao Paulo Book

Boogie's photography has given us a fascinating and unfiltered (and often times unsettling) look into some of the roughest and most turbulent areas of the world. From his native home of Belgrade, Serbia, to the grimy, crack-infested projects of New York City, and the hardest parts of Cuba and South America, Boogie's lens has been there to capture life as it happens to be. This book from Upper Playground collects his work from one week in Sao Paolo, Brazil. It is far from the postcard image of Brazil that comes to mind (no beaches, babes, or parties here). These incredible candid B&W shots show a side of the city that is seldom seen by tourists - a world of extreme poverty and struggle. But amidst the shots of prostitutes, homeless people and drug addicts are some shots (a bum smiling or the kids that play in the ghetto) that give a feeling of hope to the situation. Very powerful stuff indeed. 96 pages, hardcover. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
lab recommended / photography books

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Cody Hudson
Life & Times Of Vol.2 Book

Cody Hudson's first book focuses on his personal art with images from his studio, gallery shows, and lots of Strugglism doodles. Around 50 pages, measures 7" x 7". If you have a store and would like to carry this book, please email struggle@turntablelab.com.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / art + design books / cody hudson's strugmart by struggle inc

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Collection Agnes B Book

Every art-minded person dreams of amassing an art collection that will grow to outlive their life on earth (ooh that's heavy). Agnes B is one of those people that has fulfilled that dream. Known equally for her business and her art world prowess, Agnes B has put together a one of kind collection, strong in photography and modern art (especially NYC art(. Seriously, as you flip the pages, you'd think this was a museum book, not a personal collection. But this is way too cool for any museum. It might be the coolest thing ever. Features work from Man Ray, Richard Avedon, Henri Cartier-Bresson, William Eggleston, Andy Warhol, Larry Clark, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Nan Goldin, Robert Frank, Ryan McGinley, Futura, and many others. Hardcover, 7.25" x 9.25", 365 pages. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / all / art + design books

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Cover Art By: New Music Graphics Book

The music graphics book was born in the mid-nineties and died in early 2000 with over-saturation and lowered standards as a cause of death. Enough water has passed and people have learned from their mistakes. This is an excellent reintroduction to the modern music graphics book. It's executed near perfectly with relevent examples (many records we've had at the Lab, but even more that we haven't), clean design, and Japanese-style attention to mega-detail (it's organized by designer, painstakingly documented, and each designer has an interview). It is so effective that the book creates an illusion that these are classic record covers from 10 years ago, when they really are from yesterday. Softcover, 318 pages, 7.5" x 9.5" x .75". Recommended.

reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
music + culture books / lab recommended / all / art + design books / and more

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Dakis Joannou
Panic Room Book

It's a visual overload! Panic Room is one of those art books that keeps on giving (I've looked through it several times and keep finding something new). With over 90 contemporary artists (whose work primarily consists of drawing), this Deitch Projects book is a great way to see the scope of cutting-edge hand styles from all over the world. Trip out on an eclectic mish mash of comic culture, graffiti, fantasy, and psychedelia from the likes of Marc Bell, Paper Rad, Barry McGee, assume astro vivid focus, Tauba Auerbach, Bjorn Copeland, Verne Dawson, Jo Jackson, Chris Johanson, Margaret Kilgallen, Ted Mineo, Ben Peterson, Cameron Jamie, Clare Rojas, David Shrigley, Kelley Walker and many more. Just take a look at the inside shots and you'll see how inspiring and entertaining this compilation of work is. 11" x 11", 160 pages, softcover. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
lab recommended / art + design books

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Disposable: A History of Skateboard Art Book

Anyone yearning for a glimpse of skate culture at its purest, look no further - salvation is here! The book is called Disposable: A History of Skateboard Art, but anyone who knows skateboarding knows that the boards marked the era and they were much more than just art. From the graphics on the boards, they made stickers, posters, shirts, logos, etc. Some even became personal tattoos! So the personal connection they had with its audience was a lasting one. They were images that got burned so hard into our subconscious skate minds that even a glimpse would remind you of the famous trick by that pro, unleash nostalgia of the era and any memories of you owning that board. So unless you were a total pussy and saved your graphic, it's likely you ended up thrashing your board within a week (hence the name Disposable). This made original boards very rare and now the nostalgia for those crude, raw, offensive, punk graphics are at an all time high. That's why this book couldn't be more timely. I know, my roommate Pinto is addicted to rebuilding vintage time specific decks down to the wheels (50+ boards). So, although the book is about art, the story gets much deeper. Artist Sean Cliver takes you through the history of it all like never before with 237 pages of full color photos, side notes, and best of all - personal stories from the pros and artists themselves. As we know, stark, shocking graphics are coming back with a fury (Mishka) but as the author suggests, "If there's any connection with skate culture and the mainstream, keep it in your head... I simply enjoy the graphics for what they are." Here's some of the contents: Companies: Powell, Santa Cruz, World Industries, Alva, Black Flag, Skull Skates, Shut, Hook-ups, etc... Skaters: McGill, Rodney Mullen, Cab, Mountain, Vallely, Theibaud, Jason Lee, Hawk, Roskopp, Miller, Klein, Randy Colvin, etc.. And Artists: Pushead, Jim Phillips, Wes Humpston, Andy Howell, Barry McGee, Chris Johansenn, etc... Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
music + culture books / lab recommended / graphic design books / all

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Ed Templeton
Deformer Book

Third book from skater-artist Ed Templeton. Personally, I am a fan of Ed's work. It's gripping, engaging, sexual, pubic, teenage, dark, and always entertaining on several levels (from cheap shock to artsy deeper meaning). Deformer is a collection of photographs, drawings, and collages that loosely serves as an auto-biography. Beginning with Ed's personal adolescent pictures and scrapbook moments (his embarrassing report card is awesome), the book slowly builds into a inferno of sex, youth, and death. Yeah, sounds like an overstatement, but really, the book has an epic song quality to it. You're bombarded with images (and nudity) in unrestricted layouts... part thrash metal, part jazz. Hardcover, 166 pages, 12" x 9.5". Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / art + design books

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Ed Van Der Elsken
Jazz Book

According to the publisher: "Jazz was originally published in 1959, and since then it has become one of the most collectible photography books of the mid-twentieth century, ranking alongside the more widely known work of Christer Strömholm and Robert Frank." Wow, that's pretty serious. They go on further to say: "It is perhaps the most successful of the era's many photographic attempts to capture the essence of jazz, because it is more than just a succession of musicians' portraits or even a documentary record of performance, but a book that visually echoes the music itself." Once again, pretty serious, but you know what? I think they're right. These pictures are stunning, each one of them is like an incredible painting with its time-stamped graininess and incredible black and white contrast. The captured subjects take this book to the godly level, whether it's the musicians in deep concentration or the audience in levels of mental rapture. Features: Lionel Hampton, Sarah Vaughn, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Art Blakey, Lee Morgan, and many others. 79 pages, 7" x 7.25", in German and English. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
music + culture books / lab recommended / photography books

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Ego Trip
Ego Trip's Big Book of Racism

The folks at Ego Trip have really outdone themselves this time. Setting out on an unprecedented course to tackle the racial makeup (and subsequent racism) that is America. They've created a monster that is extremely offensive, illuminating, deeply researched, and funny as hell. They use the same format that made the Book of Rap Lists so great- the massive amount of info, articles and topics are divided into digestible sections, then further broken down into their genius lists. A sampling: 10 racial rumors worth talking about, the sports racism hall of fame, Chin check: a US phone book suvey, the true race adventures of the Rolling Stones, top 10 whites (according to blacks) + top 10 blacks (according to whites) and so so much more. Design is handled by Brent Rollins of course, with an extra help-out of hilarity from Reas. Just buy it, mongrel.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
music + culture books / lab recommended / all / ego trip / and more

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Freddy Fresh
The Rap Records: 2nd Edition Book

Incredible. Freddy Fresh already had me with the first edition of "The Rap Records" thinking he was the ultimate database for hip-hop records, but with volume 2 he's really taken it to the limit. This revised 2nd edition is more than double the size of the original (266 pages now 743 pages!) and features a shit ton more records (now expanded to include the mid-90's, British and foreign records) listed by label and way more full color label scans (at least 3 or 4 per page - over 2,500 total). Each release includes matrix numbers, year of release, and sometimes notes to tell different pressings apart. Freddy has even instituted a five star rating system of rarity for records that are particularly rare, and prices for records that catch loot. This is an invaluable resource for Djs, collectors, or anyone who has a passion for hip-hop. I don't care how much you think you know about rap records from '79-'9X, Freddy's gonna take you to school with this one. 743 pages, full color. Highly Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
lab recommended / dj + producer specific books

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Fuck This Life
Issue #11 - Fatal

Fuck This Life is a NY-based zine that chronicles Weirdo Dave's demented and curious collection of physically found(!) images. You may have heard of Dave' from his presence on Aron's Glob (compatriot Neck Face has done some past covers and writes the foreword here), but actually locating the zine has been a difficult task. Fatal, the eleventh issue, comes out of its xeroxed exoskeleton, and gets reborn as this 12" x 9" softcover book. It's actually an anthology of the series thus far and it's so potent (and brain popping), you should only digest a couple pages per day (equally to savor and to protect your mind). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / art + design books / all mags / zines / and more

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Getting It Right With Type: The Do's And Don'ts of Typography Book

In my first days as a jr. designer with no typography skills, my boss told me to read a book called Stop Counting Sheep And Find Out How Type Works. It was a simple book that seemed obvious, but by the end, I had a lightbulb moment that opened me up to the beautiful world of typography. Stop Counting Sheep was an unusual book in that it didn't read like a textbook, more like a self-help book. It was cool back then, but these days of quick-strike knowledge, Getting It Right is like a super soaker of typographic theories and rules. It's visually powerful work. The book's strength is it shows several examples of the same text, set in different type styles, right next to each other. With these examples the lessons become crystal clear, revealing both by mistakes and corrections. Lastly, in addition to all the typographic lessons, the book offers up practical, real-world advice for print and screen (this is the first typographic book that I've encountered that addresses typographic screen issues). Softcover, 174 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / designer resources

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Hamburger Eyes
Hamburger Eyes: Inside Burgerworld Book

Hallelujah! After years of slanging zines (and creating the awesome Photo Epicenter), the Hamburger Eyes crew has finally come around to putting out an official book! We've been praising with these guys for a while, carrying their early xeroxed issues and doing a show at our LA store. When will people finally get the message: Hamburger Eyes destroys monotony! If you're not aware of the movement, just think about every time you saw some cool, inexplicable, or completely random that gave you a jolt of brain juices. Seconds later you say to yourself: "Damn, I wish I had a camera..." Well, Hamburger people always have their cameras with them, shoot old school film rolls, and capture the most beautifully random moments evah. Hardcover, approximately 200 pages, black and white. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / zines / photography books / and more

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Hamburger Eyes
Issue #12

What's left to say about the almighty Hamburger Eyes? Every issue is packed with some of the most raw, beautiful and straight "wtf" inducing b&w photography you'll see in this day and age. In addition to the usual random shots from around the globe, this issue includes the short features "Hello New York" by Tobin Yelland and "All The Punks Think You're Dumb" by Ricky Adam. So what are you waiting for? 90 pages. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
lab recommended / all mags / zines / and more

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Henri Cartier-Bresson
Scrapbook Book

Henri Cartier-Bresson... Wikipedia calls him "the father of modern photojournalism, an early adopter of the 35 mm format, and the master of candid photography." Spend 30 minutes with this book and you'll FULLY understand the hype. This massive book is 11" x 12.75", over 1 inch thick, and comes wrapped in a embossed faux-leather cover. Inside, you'll find a dense collection of HCB's black and white photographs from the period of 1932-1956. At first glance, you'll be like "old black and white photos... nice," but spend some time examining the photos, and the genius just screams at you. I'm being serious, you've never seen this particular time period like this. Every picture scream of originality, as HCB constantly flips composition and subject matter (dude must have a serious wanderer). Jesus, I could fill a page just on the subjects... 262 pages, highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / photography books

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Heraldic Designs Book

Huge score for the cut and paste designer. Using in 19th century / late 20th century illustrations and ornamentation has been a design staple for the last couple years. Nobody has those type of illustration skills these days, and it adds an instant touch of class to your designs. This book is filled with the stuff (flags, animal drawings, banners, crests, shields, tons of fillagree) and it's as easy as scan-bitmap-use. The work here is top-shelf stuff taken from original books from 1913 and 1894, and super-tasteful. Another secret design weapon uncovered by the Lab. 128 pages, measures 9" x 6".
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
lab recommended / all / designer resources

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Jamel Shabazz
Back In The Days Book

Jamel Shabazz's work should be known to all. If Bambaataa was the grandfather of hip-hop, Shabazz is the James Brown of hip-hop photography. With the surge in popularity of hip-hop culture in the last 5 years, Shabazz's work has been an important link to the early 80s roots, gracing the pages of magazines and record covers. And if you've seen any of his work, then you've been grabbed by the dimensionality of his photographs: the background, the pose, the gear, the expression, the color. Now imagine an entire book of Shabazz's photography, the information overload told through a reoccurring theme: the "cool pose." Fab Five Freddy does an enlightening job in the book's introduction breaking down the cultural significance of the pose, and once you understand that, this book becomes so much more. Aesthetically this book is a blinged out 10, no doubt, but add the near-history context (this was only 20 years ago), and this book is invaluable. Let me stop with the muddle, peep some pages and let Brooklyn in the house. Over 100 full color pages with end word by Jamel Shabazz.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / photography books

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Jamel Shabazz
Seconds Of My Life Book

"Seconds Of My Life" marks the fourth book featuring the prolific work of Jamel Shabaaz. By now you all are familiar with Jamel's honest and straight-forward photography featuring people's day to day life in urban communties, but where as his previous books - "Back In The Days" and "A Time Before Crack" were very specific about the time and place of his subjects -"Seconds..." delves deep into
the photographer's archives and features a broader spectrum of work from all over the world spanning back 25 years to the present. From the favelas of Brasil, the hills of Jamaica, the Buddhist monks of Bangkok, the immigrants of France, or the black urban landscape of DC, Chicago, Philly and NYC, Shabaaz is able to confidently capture the confidence of the people from all races, genders, and classes. This hefty book also features photos of many famous musicians and icons from the black community including Grandmaster Flash, The Roots, Grover Washington Jr., Pete Rock, Common, Mos Def, Kanye, Russell Simmons and more.
Harcover, 224 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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lab recommended / photography books

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James Jarvis
Vortigern's Machine Book

I've been familiar with James Jarvis' work for sometime now (the funny, potato-headish characters that have an alternative Simpsons-like quality) and his shit always cracks me up. You've probably seen his various toy/design projects (like the ICWF wrestler guys, the King Ken toys, and his stuff for SILAS), but It's cool to see him go all out in comic book form (I see you comic book heads!) and give context to his funny characters. With Vortigern's Mansion, Jarvis illustrates the story of two unsuspecting young dudes who go on a "magical" adventure that takes them from the streets of the city to the ends of the universe and back to uncover some of life's most pressing metaphysical questions. Sound a little trippy? Yeah, it is - but if you wanna see some uber-cool drawings and read a very fun story, then this one's for you. It's got everything from Patwah speaking Brits, a mysterious mansion, psychadelic substances and alternative realities, strange tribes and weird rituals, a cyclops and more good stuff. I hope they make this into a cartoon. 48 technicolor pages.
reviewed by snackmaster

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lab recommended / art + design books

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Jason Jagel
73 Funshine Book w/ Madlib 10"

You know Jason Jagel's work, even if you don't know the name. The Cali-based artist has down a gang covers for a bunch of Stones Throw artists like Madlib, Dudley Perkins, and Egon (Evil Badger Breaks), but is probably best known for the painted covers of MF Doom's MMM FOOD album and 12"s (you know - the cartoony ones that make Doom look all cuddly). I've been a fan of Jagel's work for years, ever since I saw his art at the Cartoon Art Museum in SF. Then I started seeing his stuff on Stones Throw records and it made it even better. His paintings have a loose-yet-tight quality about them with tons of stuff going on all in one panel (you can re-visit drawings you've seen a lot and find new things in them). Tons of musical and personal references are placed in a colorful, cartoony world that doesn't seem to take itself too seriously seemed to be a perfect match for Stones Throw's releases. I was wondering when there would be a proper book showcasing his work and that time is finally here. This beautiful, oversized (14" x 12" x 1") book features 200 images from Jagel's career, all in super crisp full color detail. In addition, The Beat Konducta himself has contributed an exclusive 10" record (designed by Jagel of course) featuring 3 unreleased tracks by Yesterday's Universe. Dopeness. 208 pages total, hardcover. Highly Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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music + culture books / lab recommended / art + design books

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Josef Muller-Brockmann
Grid Systems In Graphic Design Book

For those who picked up "Josef Muller Brockmann: Pioneer in Swiss Graphic Design," here is the science behind it. Like no other book of its time, "Grid Systems" breaks down the grid with almost scientifical efficiency. If you are a graphic designer, industrial designer, 3d designer, or a designer in study, this is essential. Brockmann goes into detail about typeface usage, development of the grid, placement within the grid, 3 dimensional grid design and visual examples for everything. As the final piece to the puzzle, "Grid Systems" itself works as a supreme example of Brockmann's teachings, and the many examples that he provides are bling to my eyes. This is the type of book that goes beyond the writing (I don't think I even read the whole thing), it's like a perfect piece of design that happens to be one of the most authoritative visual communication manuals. I feel the power when I hold this book. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / all / graphic design books

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Josef Muller-Brockmann
History of Posters Book

Wow. Faithful reprint of the 1971 Josef-Muller Brockmann classic. Much like his survey-style History of Visual Communications, History of the Poster presents itself like an opinionated guide through the nineteenth century to the late seventies. JMB selects the finest examples of poster design from this time period and arranges them into categories: illustrative, object-informative, constructive, experimental, and series. Each division begins with an informative essay written in JMB's authoritative style, and clearly identifies essential design concepts. With hundreds of color examples spread out over 244 pages of JMB grid design, this is like no panties and jeans (so necessary). Soft-cover, heavy coated stock. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

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lab recommended / all / graphic design books

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Joseph Rivera
Vandal Squad: Inside The NYC Transit Police Department 1984-2004 Book

Looking back at the New York City transit system during the '70s and '80s never fails to blow my mind. To those of us who have only ever known a post-Giuliani city, it can be hard to believe that the same trains we take every day used to be so painted up that you couldn't even see out the windows. Whether you're one of those New Yorkers who longs for the wild west days of decades past or simply someone who digs learning about previous incarnations of NYC, you're gonna dig this one. Joseph Rivera was a member of the infamous Vandal Squad when it was created in the 70s, which meant his job was busting all the writers who had proliferated during the '70s and '80s. Rivera talks about the methods used by his department, and tells some pretty great stories about some of the most famous writers from that era, including REMO, REVS, SEEN, FRESH, and dozens more. As great as the narative is, the pictures that accompany it are worth the price of admission alone, and include contributions from photographers like Jamel Shabaz, Joe Conzo and Peter Sutherland. The back of the book includes a glossary and a timeline that marks all the major events related to the vandal squad and the MTA. All in all, an extremely detailed and valuable source for anyone who likes graffiti and/or New York City history. Hardcover, 168 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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lab recommended / graf books

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Kerry William Purcell
Josef Muller-Brockmann Book

Can you ever have enough Brockmann books? No. Phaidon presents their tribute to the grid master with the largest and most comprehensive JMB book to date. The inner-jacket claims this book to be "most definitive JMB monograph," and it's hard to argue against it. I personally own most every JMB title printed in the last 10 years, and I can tell you that this book features a large amount of exclusive material. Whereas most books spotlight his signature poster work, this book tells the entire story of the man, starting from his teens, continuing through his early formative professional days, and ending with his later corporate work. What is most interesting is that the book presents his early drawings, paintings, and designs, and attempts to decipher his influences. Did you know that JMB was a skilled illustrator and painter? A stage designer? Had a Picasso-influenced period? Designed a typeface for a typewriter? Even if you own every JMB book, this book will spark your imagination as much as the first time you saw one of his posters. His progression is fascinating, as his body of work represents a movement from the complex and painterly to the simple and mathematic (think about that for a second). 275 pages, hardcover. Measures 10" x 12" x 1.25". Highly recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

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lab recommended / all / graphic design books

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Kevin Lyons
Pussy and Papers, Poetry, Power and Pistols Book

Kevin Lyons is a true behind-the-scenes pioneer of the DIY design game and has had immeasurable influence on the independent music and clothing worlds. This retrospective book of over 500 t-shirt designs is much more than graphics printed on cotton. You really get to relive past micro-eras (acid jazz, golden-age hip-hop, the skating boom, the early days of streetwear), and understand how key Lyons was in pushing them along. This guy did the Giant Step logo for crissakes (not to mention directing Stussy and Fourstar, and producing graphics for Supreme, aNYthing, Huf and Ssur)! As a designer, I am in awe of the work here, flipping pages and thinking "he did that too?" (Denver Broncos logo? Check.) The book design itself kicks ass too with cotton cloth bound cover, folded pages, and a fake library card in the back. Over 200 pages, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / all / art + design books

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Lesley Arfin
Dear Diary Book

Trying to write anything funny or cute about this book without reading and digesting every page of it would be a mistake. I can say this: Dear Diary is a totally unique, totally addictive (n.p.i.) little book from Vice contributor Lesley Arfin. If you're not a regular Vice reader, Dear Diary is where Lesley publishes excerpts from her 13 years of meticulously kept diaries (ages 12 to 25), then responds to each entry with the benefit of hindsight, even interviewing the people she loved / hated / talked shit about in the entries. There are innocent chapters, less innocent chapters, totally fucked up chapters and then some - but Lesley pulls them all off with a tone that's just right, not too serious, not too light. I tried to just do the cursory review-skim of this book but got sucked in and ended up reading half of it at my desk. This hardcover first printing comes with a neat magnetic snap "padlock" on the front, with a cool cover shot from Richard Kern. It's also got pictures throughout (B&W sketches and color photographs) and a foreword from Chloe Sevigny. 288 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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music + culture books / lab recommended / all

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Margaret Kilgallen
In The Sweet Bye & Bye Book

This is the most comprehensive book on the work of Margaret Kilgallen I've ever seen though it is actually the catalog for the 2005 show at the REDCAT gallery. The prolific California-based artist passed away in 2001, but left behind a plethora of works that are a tribute to the dying hand made crafts of the past (in particular: hand painted signage, folk art, letter press print, and hobo train writers). Her art has inspired dozens of fellow artists (including husband and collaborator Barry McGee) with it's modern folk feel and hand-drawn aesthetic, which has now been coined as "New Folk" or "Urban Rustic." This handsome hardcover book features over 200 pages with brilliant, full color photos of hundreds of her paintings, sketches, and drawings. There are also amazing photos of her murals and installations as well as essays and an interview from which you can truly get the scope of her work and where she was coming from. Take a break from the crazy high-tech world we live in and delve into Margaret's world with this book. Highly Recommended.
reviewed by Caliboy

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lab recommended / all / art + design books

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Mark Dion
Bureau of the Centre for the Study of Surrealism and its Legacy Book

No matter what phase I seem to be going through at the time, one thing that consistently brings me joy is the feeling of being in a really good junk shop. This is the feeling this book recalls, but instead of a really good junk shop, think the best junk shop in the world. The author, Mark Dion, created this mock-department in the Manchester Museum and "documents his encounters with the Museum's neglected drawers and overlooked recesses that are home to redundant labels, orphaned mounts, defunct teaching models, botanical freaks, Egyptian fakes and the minutiae that have fallen through the cracks of museum practice and lain abandoned." The books is full of the best kind of surrealism, not the forced I'll put a melting clock by an eyelash one, rather, the naturally occurring, incidental kind. The book is rich with the most random photographs featuring objects and scenes that demand further investigation. This book is fucking awesome with superior, quirky book design to match. Hardcover, 128 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / all / art + design books

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Martha Cooper
Street Play Book

Photographer Martha Cooper is best be known for her classic Hip-Hop Files book, but in my opinion, this lesser known, earlier series is her most powerful work. Street Play captures children at play in New York's Alphabet City in the 1970s. At that time Alphabet City (way before Turntable Lab and all those condos got there) was a prime example of urban decay: uncollected trash, abandoned cards, empty lots, and burned out buildings. Without any playgrounds to go to, the children created their own from these harsh surroundings and Cooper was there to document it. And even though this sounds like a grim setup, Cooper is successful in focusing on the positive, innocent side of things. This is some truly uplifting shit. Witness kids jumping from fire escapes to mattress piles, playing with fire hydrants, creating toys from trash, scaling 20 foot chain link fences, examining burned out cars, walking rooftops, launching pigeons, setting off fireworks, playing hoops with a trash can, building box forts, collecting bottles, drawing lines on the street, hopping buses, and so much more. Hardcover, black and white, 120 pages. Highest recommendation.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / photography books

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Martha Cooper & Henry Chalfant
Subway Art - 25th Anniversary Edition Book

oversized edition with new photos

Firstly, don't let the internet picture fool you. This thing is H-U-G-E! For the 25th anniversary of this landmark graf book, they reprinted the book in a new over-sized format (16.75" x 11.75"!) and added 70 additional photographs, instantly making this the definitive version. Highly recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

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lab recommended / graf books / art + design books

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Matthew Brannon
To Say The Very Least Book

I first found out about artist Matthew Brannon in an article in Color magazine (Canada's finest skate mag). I was instantly hooked by his graphic designer's approach to fine art. Brannon pairs his 60s/70s advertising-style imagery with non- sequitur, catchy one liners. He seems to travel in a parallel world with Geoff McFetridge, but with an alternate color palette and font style (and his work goes for fine art prices). Softcover, 8.5" x 12", 175 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / art + design books

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Michael Kroeger
Paul Rand: Conversations With Students Book

Paul Rand is an American badass. This book is a must-read if you are a designer. There's this one intense part where Rand argues with other notable designers about the meaning of "design." He continually dwarfs these experts for several pages until he finally drops the answer on them (which I will hide from you). I was page-turning like it was the DaVinci Code. Rand has so much to say about design, the way it should be taught, and the way you should approach it. It's refreshing to read about all the abstract thought processes that go through a designer's head... it makes it real. This book documents several conversations Rand had with students and peers. It's smartly designed with lots of visual aids. Paperback, 5.5" x 8", 96 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / all / graphic design books

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Mike Mills
Graphics Films Book

With his recent lauded foray into film, it should not be forgotten that Mike Mills is one the more important designers of our generation (ie those who designed in the nineties to the present). Who else has a dedicated visual design release on MoWax records? Or has fashioned the look of Supreme, Sonic Youth, The Beastie Boys, Beck, X-Girl, Air, and others(!)? This book is his first comprehensive monograph that features the bulk of his graphics, artwork, and films. Hardcover, 9.75" x 12.75", 176 pages. Essentially modern, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / art + design books / graphic design books

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Moises Puente
Conversations with Mies van der Rohe Book

Firstly, how badass is the cover image: Mies chillaxing in a fine tailored suit avec cigar and perfectly slouched in his own creation? This (bigger than the average) pocketbook begins with Mies Van Der Rohe's 1950 poem(?) entitled Architecture and Poetry. Deep stuff for back then, it's like OMD first album on paper. Then the book goes into three very indepth Q+A sessions from the 50/60s. The question range from standard architecture question, to ones about philosophy and his peers. Interspersed amongst the words, you get images of the man himself as well as examples of his work. The book is well designed and easy to digest, bite size intellectualism at its best. 94 pages, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / art + design books

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MTV
On Air Book & DVD

Love it or hate, MTV is the corporate monster with top notch design, probably tops in screen and motion design and digital shorts. Their pool of talent (many of your favorite designers have probably done work for them at one point) is equally as impressive. This book collects the best work from all the MTV networks with a majority coming from MTV's international channels. Each work is broken down into several screen shots. The most interesting part is that each designer explains the concept, the techniques used to execute it (an invaluable resource), and the effects. Also includes an all-region DVD featuring the work featured in the book. Cloth-bound hardcover, 200 pages.
reviewed by mgmnt

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lab recommended / graphic design books

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Norman Hathaway
Overspray: California Airbrush Art Book

Norman Hathaway does all us record nerds, designers, and illustration fanatics a favor by presenting Overspray, a collection of LA's finest airbrush art compiled from the top artists from the 70's. Rock, funk and disco provided the sounds as LA's glamourous palm tree lined streets, sexy bikini's, and neon nightlife provided all the visual inspiration for the era. Before you knew it, portraits weren't just stale faces but glistening with colored lights, products were gleaming with dewdrops, and everything shined like chrome. Although it was highly influential to the illustration of the 80's, the artform took the backseat in the 90's when computers began to make their rise, but is now highly jocked and imitated by hot young artists. Check the tour de force of west coast airbrush masters: Dave Willardson, Charles E White III, Peter Palombi and Peter Lloyd. Definitely a collection not to be missed. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

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lab recommended / art + design books

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Otl Aicher Book

This is the kind of book that gets the "recommended" in the front of the review. German designer Otl Aicher ranks up there with Brockmanns, the Hoffmans, and the Rands in the hierarchy of modern design. His branding of the 1972 Munich Olympics stands as one of the best major design jobs in the history of mankind (I'm serious). It also resulted in the easily the best iconography the world has ever seen (you've seen some variation of his sports icons somewhere). This chunky monograph includes those aforementioned works and reveals a rarely-seen, comprehensive retrospective of his work. This is the kind of stuff that has a powerful humbling effect (you are a design peon!), and makes you want to work even harder. Hardcover, 240 pages. Again, highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / all / graphic design books

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Paul Rand
Paul Rand Book

Although we already have a superlative Paul Rand book in our selection, I think this Phaidon book is also very necessary. ItÌs like experiencing a private viewing of Rand's body of work. It might be RandÌs most comprehensive visual collection, but more importantly, the captioning is awesome. Aside from the technical information, the captions add great insights to the work (perfect for short attention spans like me); you feel like you have a personal tour guide. If you want to dig deeper, there's also a grip of writing including an introduction from design legend Armin Hoffmann. The book is divided into advertising, publishing, corporate identity, Rand as an author, and Rand as professor. 250 pages, soft cover.
reviewed by mgmnt

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lab recommended / graphic design books

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Peter Saville
Designed by Peter Saville Book

Monograph on designer Peter Saville, who is best known for his work with Factory Records and shaping the visual identity of New Order. A preface and an insightful 25 page interview introduces us to this seminal figure, then the book expands into crisp images of his influential record sleeves, fashion work, and signature photography. I'm geeked. 190 pages.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / all / graphic design books

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Peter Saville
Estate 1-127 (Factory Records) Book

I've already drooled over Peter Saville's accomplishments in previous Lab musings, but this is the finest monograph on Saville's work to date. While other recent books on Saville and Factory Records have been consistently excellent, this book gets even deeper into Saville's work archives and thought process. For a little color, the press release says it best: "The now legendary cover designs for the Joy Division album Unknown Pleasures (1979) and the New Order single "Blue Monday" (1983) brought the Manchester graphic designer Peter Saville immediate international renown, with their somber yet lush Modernist edge. Saville was the cofounder of Factory Records, and was single-handedly responsible for its unique house style, so widely imitated, and so entirely Saville's own. Outside of the Factory stable he has produced covers for, among others, Patti Smith, Roxy Music, Wham!, Suede and Pulp, and has also collaborated on many architectural, fashion and interior design ventures, including the famous Manchester nightclub the Hacienda, and collaborations with Nick Knight, David Chippenfield and Stella McCartney. His sensibility combines unerring elegance with a remarkable ability to facture imagery that epitomizes and defines a cultural moment. Based on his solo exhibition at the Migros Museum in Zurich, which also traveled to the ICA London, this book surveys Saville's extensive archives for the first time. It was conceived and designed in close collaboration with Saville; as such, it is the first publication to be designed by the artist. Paperback, 8" x 10.5", 272 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / all / art + design books / graphic design books

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Phil Frost
Phil Frost Book

Oh damn, remember Pre-emptive strike!?! It was Shadow's 2LP of rare singles, featuring those ill Phil Frost's faces that twisted your mind. For some, that was the introduction into his tribalistic urban style which has now grown into an art monster. Since then, he's been gettin' real busy gracing galleries with his huge murals, large totems, interactive installations, and abstract characters. It's was a real treat to see his stuff live back in 2004. His painstaking tribal patterns are the perfect balance of positive and negative space. Catch up with the man's decorated career in this huge book featuring an inside looks at shows, studiowork, sketches, street pieces, and murals. A must have for any fan and an awesome introduction to those interested.

Hardcover, 162 pgs, 10.75 x 10.75 x 0.75 (W x H x D)
reviewed by C'mish

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lab recommended / art + design books

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Playboy
Blondes Book

70s yams! Yes, even though we sell records and Swiss design manuals, there's just this underlying smutty feel to our site. I can't explain it, it's just there. The one-eyed herman starts to peep his head with this beautiful collection of vintage Playboy pics from the 60/70s. These novel-sized books are split up by hair color (ingenious! they should do that with gummy bears), all in brilliant color. The girls in here are ridiculous (as JMS would say, you got to "blaze that shit"), and don't even get me started about the succulent 70s body type (where have you gone?). Makes an incredible gift.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / photography books

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Playboy
Brunettes Book

70s yams! Yes, even though we sell records and Swiss design manuals, there's just this underlying smutty feel to our site. I can't explain it, it's just there. The one-eyed herman starts to peep his head with this beautiful collection of vintage Playboy pics from the 60/70s. These novel-sized books are split up by hair color (ingenious! they should do that with gummy bears), all in brilliant color. The girls in here are ridiculous (as JMS would say, you got to "blaze that shit"), and don't even get me started about the succulent 70s body type (where have you gone?). Makes an incredible gift.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / photography books

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Playboy
Redheads Book

70s yams! Yes, even though we sell records and Swiss design manuals, there's just this underlying smutty feel to our site. I can't explain it, it's just there. The one-eyed herman starts to peep his head with this beautiful collection of vintage Playboy pics from the 60/70s. These novel-sized books are split up by hair color (ingenious! they should do that with gummy bears), all in brilliant color. The girls in here are ridiculous (as JMS would say, you got to "blaze that shit"), and don't even get me started about the succulent 70s body type (where have you gone?). Makes an incredible gift.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / photography books

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Problem Solved: A Primer In Design & Communication Book

What I've learned in my short career as a graphic designer, is that most design work is less about artistic expression, and more about visual engineering, decision making, and common sense... problem solving. The book identifies eighteen common, specific situations in design and dissects them with hundreds of images, and informative writing. These problems are not of the "when should I use this typeface" variety, but more involved issues like when to stop analyzing design, how to evolve a brand, creating potent work for something you don't believe in, when to use humor, etc. Each issue gets its own chapter with hundreds of visual examples and clear, concise writing. As a business owner, I can attest that these problems are also very relevant to the professional / entrepreneur, as the book doubles as a business. I could have used this book earlier, which is not to say that every level of designer could learn a lot from this. Superbly designed, 288 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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lab recommended / all / graphic design books

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