Off the shelf...
There are a number of books in my designer's library that I pull off the shelf and open again and again, so I thought I would share one of them with you: Trademarks and Symbols of the World by Yusaku Kamekura.
Published in 1965, it is nearly 300 pages of symbols, collected by Mr. Kamekura, that run the gamut of themes and usages. What I love about this book is its purity. Most pages are just black and white. The collection was put together before there was an internet, or a computer program capable of generating gradients or unnatural filters. Most of the symbols are what the designer who designed them was able to produce with their hands—a refreshing concept for someone who sits at her computer most of the day. Some of the symbols are very simple, (which is not to say they were easy to design,) others are more complex in form. As a whole, it is a collection I find continually beautiful and inspiring.
Sadly this amazing book has been out of print for quite awhile, but there are used copies available here and there. You might even find a copy in your local library. In my opinion it is a volume definitely worth seeking out.
wow, this looks amazing. i would love to see this book in person. i'm going to check out those used copies right now! thanks for posting about it. :)
Posted by:jess gonacha | 23 January 2008 at 07:56 PM
if anyone doesn't think you can do a lot w/ just black and white - HERE's the proof!!!
this should be mandatory viewing for all students, no? :D
Posted by:lisa s | 23 January 2008 at 10:20 PM
wow, those are simply gorgeous. I must get that book! thank you for sharing it.
Posted by:anne bryant | 07 February 2008 at 07:23 PM