Product Description

This compendium showcases the extraordinary cutting-edge work of 100 of the world's most progressive graphic designers, from the hard-hitting political messages of Jonathan Barnbrook to the lyrical digital compositions of Peter Saville to the iconoclastic imagery of Stefan Sagmeister. Alongside the array of visually stunning and thought-provoking advertisements, CD covers, posters, packaging, websites, and corporate identities are texts by each designer expressing his or her individual approach to graphic design practice as well as personal insights into the motivations that lie behind the work. An accompanying introductory essay highlights the current issues surrounding graphic design practice, from the ascendancy of digital tools to the amorality of consumerism. By presenting a provocative survey of the latest, most experimental and forward-looking graphic design from around the globe, this exciting book provides a unique and totally unforgettable snapshot of where the discipline stands today and hopefully offers directions for its future. "Contemporary Graphic Design" is absolutely essential to anyone interested in the power of images. The list of entries includes: Jonathan Barnbrook, The Designers Republic, FUEL, Fernando Gutierrez, Hideki Inaba, KesselsKramer, Scott King, Christian Kusters, Jurg Lehni, Karel Martens, ME Company, M/M (Paris), Martijn Oostra, Gabor Palotai, Stefan Sagmeister, Peter Saville, Studio Boot, Sweden Graphics, Omar Vulpinari, and Martin Woodtli.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #157188 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-31
• Original language: German, English, French
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 559 pages

About the Author
Charlotte and Peter Fiell run a design consultancy in London specializing in the sale, acquisition, study and promotion of design artifacts. They have lectured widely, curated a number of exhibitions, and written numerous articles and books on design and designers, including TASCHEN'S 1000 Lights, 1000 Chairs, Design of the 20th Century, Industrial Design A-Z, Designing the 21st Century, and domus 1928-1999.

Customer Reviews

Excellent reference/inspiration title for artists/designers
I came across this in a bookshop but ordered in through amazon as it was cheaper. Taschen makes a lot of quality titles and this is no exception, the book itself is well presented with a transparent plastic cover with just text on it. They seem to have shown their love of design with the book so that the interior layout becomes thoughtful and interesting to look at as much as the many featured designers. I hesitate to use the term when artist seems more appropriate for most of them. I'm surprised this one hasn't gathered reviews from the same people who like titles such as 'the picture book' and 'illusive' as tools to inspire them.

Despite the name graphic design the work inside is really exciting and artistic. A caveat for the purists, though - it is graphic design and more often than not there are clients so if you hate seeing art which has a brand name somewhere on it then this might not be for you. All of the graphic designers featured talk a little about their work, even if some of them are vague about the details. One piece was advertising a pill which supposedly increased breast size in women and yet the designer considered himself an ethical designer, another who claims to be against exploitation nevertheless designer a logo for the big brother reality tv show... well what can you say to that?

Its a big book and there's a wealth of inspirational material, as its graphic design and not just illustration its most suitable for people who are interested in the look of text in pieces and some of the artwork (I think I can use that term) uses text in the most amazing ways while communicating a message.

I think for almost anyone interested in art/illustration/graphic design in whatever order, this would make an excellent addition to your library. Probably make a good coffee table book but I like my copy far too much to leave it out for other people!