Area - Graphic Design Book Review

There are plenty of “best of” design books out there, and while many are effective at focusing on a specific type of work, hardly any present such an impressive overall look at the state of graphic design as area, published by Phaidon. While the book was first published in 2003, and had since been followed up with a sequel, it should not be overlooked as a great source of design inspiration.

The selection process for the book is what maintains the level of quality; 10 curators (from art directors to teachers) are chosen to each select 10 new graphic designers, who are then represented alphabetically, with each designer given 4 pages of select work. Each curator also selected one “design classic,” providing an interesting look into the curators’ personalities and influences.

The work in area is inspiring from page 1, and the design is from all over the globe, including Hong Kong, New York, Melbourne, Zurich, London, Amsterdam and Tehran. From children’s book illustration to poster design to a calendar made up of food expiration dates, each work on each page is unique and impressive. Readers (including myself) may literally find themselves shaking their heads in amazement and admiration at the creativity and experimentation on area’s pages.

The impressive group of curators selected for area gives the book instant credibility. They include respected members of the international design community such as Fernando Gutierrez, a partner at the design firm Pentagram, Uwe Loesch, winner of nearly every kind of international poster design award, and Stefan Sagmeister, who has designed for clients such as the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith. Each curator writes the introductions for their 10 selected designers, providing great stories of how the curators discovered the designers and interesting perspectives on their work.

To finish off area, each curator chose a favorite work of design that inspired and influenced them. This brief but interesting section allows us to understand more about those who have chosen the 100 designers. Curator Shigeo Fukuda speaks about a poster that inspired his creative belief that “has been the backbone of my creative activities for the past fifty years.” Within area, young designers are likely to find similar inspiration.