The author, a prolific maker of experimental art books, explores the possibilities of the book as object and experience. Many of the books discussed are hand-craft art objects, involving use of unorthodox materials, bindings, and structures. Contains a section on the theory of ordering images, which proposes a difference between a "series" and a "sequence."

Primarily written for photographers who are interested in publishing books of photographs. Illustrated with in-depth case studies,  this very-thorough book explores the photobook as a concepts and an object; how to select and sequence photographs; the marketplace for photobooks; and the design and production process. Colberg makes a strong case for why working with a professiona designer is an important part of the photobook process.

A master of type design explores the history of typography, and  explains his thinking, work, and process. Deep typographic theory and practice. Includes case studies on the design process of Univers, Serifa, Frutiger, and other typefaces.

A classic of the genre by a living legend. Twyla Tharp, one of the most accomplished contemporary choreographers, takes readers through her creative process, its rituals, and more. An excellent read for anyone who does creative work.

A brief catalog of works in the Herbert Matter archive, held at the Stanford University Library. Showcases the classic Swiss tourism posters, graphicdesign for Knoll, photographic experiments, and lessor known portraits of artists including Alexander Calder and Jackson Pollock.  

A monograph of the work of Skolos-Wedell, a partnership in both design and life. The studio’s work is almost entirely created through photography of hand-built, sculptural tableaus of objects, materials and typography; a sort of 3-dimentional collage, which they call "designed pictures." An inspirational study in how physical processes and making can lead to fascinating results.

In this installment of Summer Reading, I delve into a stack of books on communication theory, including semiotics, gestalt, and interpreting photography. As designers and image makers, we create meaning. Our outputs are consumed and interpreted by an audience, who seeks to understand what it means. The message or meaning we intend, may not be what they receive.

Originally published September 17, 2020

In this image saturated-era, where we compulsively scroll through streams of pictures chosen by algorithms without visual or contextual logic, the physical photobook is a welcome respite. Originally published July 31, 2020

The second installment of my Summer Reading series is all about IDEAS—where they come from, how to nurture and grow them, and bring them forth into the world.

Originally published July 24, 2020

Having found myself with more time on my hands than expected this summer, I have turned to my overflowing bookshelves, to take the opportunity to read and reread books I have accumulated over the years. Stocked with titles covering graphic design, typography, photography, art, and business, some of them I have read in their entirety, some I looked at the for pictures for reference, and some are books I bought with the intention of reading “someday…”

Originally published July 15, 2020