"It's a rare graphic designer who has not contemplated setting up his or her own studio. It's part of a designers DNA to want to own and run a studio. Many do, while others spend a lifetime wondering if they should. But where does the ambitious designer go for advice and guidance?
Who better than the founders of some of the best design studios in the world?
Tony Brook (founding director of Spin Design and President of the English chapter of the AGI) and Adrian Shaughnessy (independent designer and author of the very successful book 'How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing your Soul') have conducted penetrating interviews with a group of visionary graphic designers who have formed and run landmark international design studios. In a series of candid and revealing interviews, many of the leading figures in contemporary graphic design reveal the secrets behind creating a vibrant studio culture." (Publisher's text).
Some of the contributing studios are: A Practice for Everyday Life (UK), Anothermountainman (China), Atelier Smith (Ireland), Bibliothequé (UK), Coast (Belgium), Doyle Partners (USA), Experimental Jetset (NL), Fuel (UK), Tassinari Vetta (Italy), Mucho (Spain), Nakajema Design (Japan), Non-Format (UK), Pentagram (USA), Edenspiekermann (Germany/NL), Surface (Germany), Walker Arts Center (USA), a.o.
This handsome publication is an important contribution to the contemporary canon of graphic design literature. It is must for any designer thinking of starting his or her own studio and a valuable addition to every serious design library.
On the 5th of October Tony and Ardian gave a lecture at the offices of the BNO in Amsterdam. Clik here to see some photos of the event.