What do designers look for in a design book? What should writers be concerned about covering? What elements should publishing houses take into account when deciding on the next volume to be published? Aesthetic appearance, rich visuals, lots of copy, hefty and recognizable names, big words readers will need to look up in the dictionary…
It is high time we all started talking to each other. It is time for us to communicate as partners — for this is what we are — to work together in our common goal. The best design books that we can produce and read.
In our fourth — and biggest! — seriouSeries we will explore a topic very dear to us: books.
Through a discussion panel we will discuss what writers want to write, what publishers want to publish and what designers want to read. Accompanying us on the panel will be:
Michael Bierut › Studied graphic design at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning. Prior to joining Pentagram in 1990 as a partner in the firm’s New York office, he worked for ten years at Vignelli Associates, ultimately as vice president of graphic design. He writes frequently about design and the co-editor of the four-volume series Looking Closer: Critical Writings on Graphic Design published by Allworth Press. In 1998 he co-edited and designed the monograph Tibor Kalman: Perverse Optimist. His commentaries about graphic design in everyday life can be heard nationally on the Public Radio International program “Studio 360.” Michael is co-founder of the online journal Design Observer.
Steve Heller › Art director of The New York Times Book Review and co-chair of the MFA/Design Program of the School of Visual Arts. He has written and co-authored over 80 books on graphic design and popular art. In 1999 he received the AIGA Medal.
From Princeton Architectural Press:
Clare Jacobson › Editorial director of Princeton Architectural Press. In her 16 years at the press, she has edited over 100 books on architecture, landscape architecture, graphic design, product design, and photography. Her books have won numerous awards, including the AIGA 50 Books/50 Covers, American Institute of Architects Citation for Excellence, New York Society Library’s New York City Book Award, and ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year. She is the author of Karlssonwilker Inc’s TellMeWhy: The First 24 Months of a New York Design Company.
Kevin Lippert › Publisher of Princeton Architectural Press, a New York-based publishing company specializing in books on architecture, landscape, urbanism, design, and visual culture, which he founded in 1981. The Press has won numerous awards for its editorial program and for individual titles. Lippert is also an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Computer Instruction and Technology at the Cooper Union; he previously taught computing at the School of Architecture at Princeton University. In addition to the Van Alen, Lippert is on the board of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture, and has served on the board of the Society of Architectual Historians. He was also written several articles, most recently the introduction to John Johansen’s Nanoarchitecture.
From Allworth Press:
Michael Madole › Publicity director for Allworth Press. Favorite titles for which he has handled publicity campaigns include Editing by Design by Jan V. White, Careers by Design by Roz Goldfarb, and The Real Business of Web Design by John Waters. He has written articles for PMA Newsletter and other trade publications.
Nicole Potter › Senior editor at Allworth Press and an adjunct professor in the theatre department of Marymount Manhattan College. She has been the editor of numerous theater and film books and has written articles for film magazines, including Films in Review and The Perfect Vision. An MFA graduate in performing, her extensive theatrical background includes ten years as a member of The Irondale Ensemble, during which she had leading roles in both original works and in productions of Shakespeare, Ibsen, Chekov, and Brecht. She continues to act and direct at venues in the New York City area. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Some facts about the event:
When
Tuesday, December 7th, 2004 7:00 PM
Where
The Producers’ Club Theatres
358 West 44th Street
New York, NY
(Piano available!)
Admission
$10.00 (You may pay now or at the door).
If you would like to purchase more than one ticket, you may update the quantity in your shopping cart.
You can reserve your seat too, if you would rather pay at the door. This will help us have a better idea of attendance. E-mail us with your reservation intentions.
we will explore a topic very dear to us: books.
Without a doubt this is an interesting topic, one that usually produces hot tongs and heavy breathing from us designers. A constant debate amongst us, this should provide for a good dialogue between all of those involved in producing a design book.
That perfect design book, the one you are constantly dreaming about… bring it out for public opinion.
On Nov.16.2004 at 12:08 PM