Inspired Reading
October 11, 2008
I’m very excited to kick-off our new Goodness blog with this little project. I asked a group of outstanding graphic designers to…
Please recommend a book that you have found particularly inspiring or meaningful to your development as a creative person.
The one restriction: Please no books on graphic design.
I had a feeling that these artists would lead me to some new favorites. I enjoy following up on cross-referenced suggestions that lurk about in a lot of pop-culture. Watch almost any Scorsese film, and you’ll catch little snippets of his favorite movies. I found out about The Jazz Singer by watching Goodfellas. This sort of thing happens all the time once you keep your eye out for it. When you really connect with a source, you often appreciate what they like as well.
The responses I received from these artists formed an unexpected and intriguing reading list. One that should keep me busy for the next year or so. Also fascinating are the personal statements reflecting why their books are so meaningful to them.
Play It As It Lays, by Joan Didion
This is a sparse and beautifully crafted novel set in the emptiness of Los Angeles, and following themes of despair and detachment. It is the writing style that made a huge impact on me when I first read the book as a young designer. It made clear the power of nothingness, or minimal language. There are no unnecessary words, plot devices, or characters. It is stripped down to its bare core.
The Bible
The discoveries we make are not our own. The seeds of every art are implanted within us, and God our instructor, from hidden sources, develops our ability to create.
—The 1851 London Great Exhibition Catalog
Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace
There are so many books that have influenced me, both as a human being and one who tries to be creative. But, perhaps because he just died, I would say David Foster-Wallace’s Infinite Jest. A sad, funny, huge book that deals with the vast fuckedupness of our society. It is prophecy of where we are today. Corporate America trying to suck the very soul from us while squeezing every dollar from our wallets. Drugs, celebrity, loneliness, life, death…you know…all the important stuff. It is like a peep hole into the world, that sadly, is the world we all live in. I can understand in many ways why he found it so hard to live in this world. He was truly a great artist.
Roget’s International Thesaurus
I’ve been mulling this question over, and I’ve decided on Roget’s International Thesaurus. Roget’s Thesaurus is not just a list of synonyms, and I personally find it much superior to an “A–Z Thesaurus”, particularly for wandering through language. In fact, Roget’s is a bit like the internet, how one thing leads to another and another. First you look up the word in the index. It will then have various alternate meanings (often in lists exceeding 10 different meanings or nuances of the word)—so to take an easy one, I start with “SAPPY” and from there I have a choice of “sentimental,” “immature,” “foolish,” or “fluid”.
So let’s say I meant “sentimental”, so i go to the referenced section, which is 93.21: in that section I see many words such as “maudlin, cloying, schmaltsy, gooey, mushy, bathetic …” etc. But the entire section of 93 is about “FEELING”, and if I browse around I see 93.1 “feeling” lists words such as “emotion, affect, sensibility …” etc.; 93.2 are words related to “passion”; 93.3 “heart” … and on through to 93.27 “sentimentally”. So i get a much broader range. Then, more interestingly, the sections surrounding each section are related in meaning. So the section 94 deals with “LACK OF FEELING”; 95 “PLEASURE”; 92 “PSYCHOLOGY”, so you see it’s easy to wander off and find all sorts of interesting and semi-related words. What does this have to do with design? Well … I’m not sure, except that everything writing has to do with design, and that’s that.
Act One, by Moss Hart
It is not the best book I’ve ever read. But it is my favorite. Most people to whom I recommend it have never heard of it, or of its author. But on about my fifth rereading I realized why I like it so much: it’s the best, funniest, and most inspiring description of the creative process ever put down on paper.
The Acme Novelty Library, by Chris Ware
Has anybody nominated any of the Chris Ware ACME Novelty Libraries yet?
Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse
I have a bad tendency to over-explore things; to sometimes think that in order to find the right answer, one needs to look at EVERYTHING. Anything that reminds me that the answer is always nearby…grab it and keep moving…is good for me – visually and personally.
All Consuming Images, by Stuart Ewen
It helped me understand my own relationship with fashion.
This book keeps getting better the older I get. I appreciate his restraint and style more and more.
Ways of Seeing, by John Berger
It’s corny, but in college I read this and it seemed like a revelation to me.
Robert Massin’s visualization of The Bald Soprano, by Eugene Ionesco
The one book I can recommend above all others is Robert Massin’s “visualization” of Eugene Ionesco’s “The Bald Soprano”. When I found that book in my college library back in 1972, I finally understood that what I was interested in doing was graphic design. I never looked back.
A Passage to India, by E.M. Forster
I have been in awe of E.M. Forster’s “A Passage to India” from my early years to revisiting the book several times in my life as a designer.
Why? Because the characters who are present in “A Passage to India” have different voices and come from different places in life. They make me as a designer a better listener and being a good listener is at the core of design, understanding and responding to other people’s problems.
To cut through myth, hype, clichés, narrow-mindedness, and bullshit, to come out at the other end with perspective, long-term views, and responsible action is what life and design is all about.
Hunger, by Knut Hamsun
I read this the summer I graduated from college. It tells the story of a struggling writer. He lives day to day, meal to meal, not sure what the future holds for him. Through his struggles he does not lose sight that his writing is his salvation. At least that’s how I remember it.
The Color Kittens, by Margaret Wise Brown
At first your question stumped me, because there really haven’t been many books, per se, that I can point to as being particularly inspiring to my development as an artist. But then I started going back, and even further back in my life and remembered one children’s book in particular that has always stuck with me (don’t laugh): “The Color Kittens” by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Alice and Martin Provensen. This was one of those little Golden Books. I cannot tell you in terms too strong how profound an influence the words and images of this book had on my artistic development. For me color is almost the most important element of my work, and I can definitely trace back my fascination with color to the images and words of this children’s book. Whether a children’s book like this could be recommended to adults is questionable at best, but nevertheless I could not avoid the importance of this book to me personally, and feel that I owe a debt of gratitude to it’s creators.
Song of the Lark, by Willa Cather
It follows the life of a young girl, a singer, who discovers her own voice, and the powers and the problems of having such a voice. Gorgeous Americana, and a fabulous story of coming of age as a creative person. Enjoy!
The Art of Donald Duck
Like many designers, I have a weak spot for books. Many have influenced my development as a creative person. Given that I’m about five weeks away from being a dad, I can’t help but think about books from my childhood. The book that I remember most from my childhood was The Art of Donald Duck. Donald was always my favorite Disney character, and I recall drawing and redrawing his image over and over. I must have copied that book page by page, numerous times. I’m not sure what affect this tracing had on my career, but to this day, I can draw a damn good Donald Duck.
On Photography, by Susan Sontag
It was one of the first books that made me think I had to forget everything I thought I already knew. The first of many.
Proust Was A Neuroscientist, by Jonah Lehrer
It’s a fascinating way to describe how the brain works and how artists define reality.
Winter’s Tale, by Mark Helprin
Helprin’s magical realism captures the way New York feels, not is.
Circles of Confusion, by Hollis Frampton
This book showed me that an artist (filmmaker) could create smart, engaging films write about time, perception, and beauty as fluidly as he could write engaging essays about these same ideas. Frampton’s book impressed me as a student because of the continuity between these two aspects of his work, and the fact that there was such a strong underlying thread between them.
Ficciones, by Jorge Luis Borges
I would say that the book that most affected and changed my way of thinking about creativity, long before I thought about being a creative person (that’s debatable), was “Ficciones” by Jorge Luis Borges. Not only does Borges tell stories that read more like essays (though they are fiction), his way of seeing the world through lanuage and of putting the reader in a prominent position had lots of implications to me for how stories are made and what they come to mean.
Go Dog Go, by P.D. Eastman
My favorite childhood book had a big impact on me as an artist/designer: “Go Dog Go” by P.D. Eastman. I want to believe it’s the very first book I read. The fun illustrations of the dogs having a good time probably did more for my creative development than any other book I’ve read since. I wanted to be at the party in the tree with all those dogs so I started drawing my own “dog party”. I also like “Harry the Dirty Dog”, but I’m starting to see a pattern so I’ll stop.
Most influential on my life as a designer.
The Selfish Gene, by Richard Dawkins
A fairly depressing argument to quit everything you are doing. Highly recommended!!!!
Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees: A Life of Contemporary Artist Robert Irwin, by Lawrence Weschler
It’s a tiny book with a long title, but manages to beautifully explain how an artist can develop and build his obsessions into the work he does. By the end, you feel as if you know Irwin personally and fully understand why he makes that odd, experiential work.
Something Happened, by Joseph Heller
Particularly a chapter entitled “The Office in which I Work”. It seems to describe an advertising agency or the like, and while you have no idea what they create in this place, you understand absolutely everything about the office politics. It is a perfect lesson in human behavior for anyone who has to work with groups of people in hierarchies in corporations and institutions. Though the book is over 30 years old, the description of the office could have been written yesterday.
Where the Suckers Moon, by Randall Rothenberg
I don’t have time to read too many, but I would have to say the book I found most pertinent to design/business was “Where the Suckers Moon” by Randall Rothenberg. It sort of peels back the curtain behind certain mythic design figures (Kalman)
The crossword is always stimulating.
Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott
Both are books on craft (writing and film making) and make perfect sense to a designer. And are also excellent reads.
Short Stories, by Franz Kafka
I was, and still am, fascinated by the amazing results of the smallest small changes in our perception.
Nigel Roggero
September 14, 2012 at 3:10 AM Link
i had the same problem and am afraid to tell you thats theres no way to get rid of stretch marks really i tried lots ! of creams and finally found out that they can only fade with time but you can stop yourself getting more just by staying at the weight you are now and not puttng on wait (am sorry if that sounds mean ). and the cellulite can go easily by eather goin to the gym or buying a bike .. cellulite is silpily the fat under your skin so you any need to do something liek running,tredmills,ridding a bike
Giuseppe Layne
September 14, 2012 at 9:03 AM Link
The best decision will be to buy this laptop from an authorised dell laptop dealer and which has a good record of customer care. There are many good retailers in India who will sell you the seal pack laptop at a cheap price than the other and also provide better customer support. Like Adit Ecommerce from Mumbai.
greenberg hall
September 25, 2012 at 8:45 PM Link
caley roberts
Jarvis Dusak
October 1, 2012 at 12:51 AM Link
My husband and i got now joyous when John managed to deal with his homework via the precious recommendations he got while using the site. It’s not at all simplistic just to be giving for free guidance that other people could have been making money from. We figure out we now have you to appreciate for that. The most important illustrations you made, the straightforward web site navigation, the friendships you give support to foster it’s got most extraordinary, and it’s assisting our son in addition to our family recognize that that situation is brilliant, and that’s wonderfully serious. Thank you for everything!
Andre Badagliacca
October 5, 2012 at 7:22 AM Link
Hi there! This post couldn’t be printed a few better! Reading this send reminds me of my older extent mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will ahead this write-up to him. Positively positive he will have a sunny read. Thankfulness for sharing!
Cheap Tickets Coupons and promo codes
October 27, 2012 at 12:28 AM Link
Many thanks for being the teacher on this area. My spouse and i enjoyed your article quite definitely and most of all appreciated how you handled the aspect I considered to be controversial. You are always extremely kind towards readers like me and help me in my lifestyle. Thank you.
Nasso3364@gmail.com
October 31, 2012 at 8:44 PM Link
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me. All the best
Miquel Linck
November 2, 2012 at 10:16 PM Link
Hmm it looks like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any tips and hints for novice blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.
Angelic Stripling
November 23, 2012 at 4:59 AM Link
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec sit amet tortor mauris, nec placerat sapien. Nullam pulvinar sodales faucibus. Praesent luctus mauris eget augue malesuada vel condimentum erat tristique. Fusce placerat erat vitae lectus pharetra nec tempor erat iaculis. Integer felis odio, mollis ac varius pharetra, tincidunt in arcu. Phasellus vehicula aliquam faucibus. Mauris tristique molestie leo, vitae varius turpis pharetra nec. Nam vehicula, magna eu rutrum pellentesque, felis justo malesuada mi, eget semper tellus justo vitae lacus. Donec vitae orci vitae tortor blandit facilisis vulputate sit amet libero. Donec risus felis, dignissim sed pellentesque ac, ornare vel leo.
pediatrie iasi
December 2, 2012 at 10:47 AM Link
I simply couldn’t leave your site prior to suggesting that I actually loved the usual info a person supply in your visitors? Is gonna be again frequently in order to inspect new posts
Leora
December 13, 2012 at 3:49 PM Link
Highly energetic article, I liked that a lot. Will there be a part 2?
Carroll Laureano
January 1, 2013 at 2:03 AM Link
I need one of these templates, but does it come with all the features as in the demo with their tutorials?
Cruz Byse
January 1, 2013 at 6:08 AM Link
Oh, I should also point out that the workflows on the chart aren’t significantly different from Taguchi-method or lean manufacturing techniques.
Julianne Vanbibber
January 13, 2013 at 8:41 PM Link
Iuvare me ayudo muchisimo con mi grupo de multinivel
Jimmie Umbaugh
January 27, 2013 at 11:57 PM Link
En XANGO hemos aprendido muchísimo y ganado mucha experiencia en muy poco tiempo. Esto nos ha ayudado a desarrollarnos y crecer para ser mejores seres humanos. Lo que nos ha permitido tener mejor relación con hermanos, padres, amigos y socios.
Winston Janicki
February 6, 2013 at 1:01 AM Link
I believe that avoiding refined foods is a first step in order to lose weight. They might taste great, but refined foods contain very little vitamins and minerals, making you consume more simply to have enough strength to get over the day. In case you are constantly feeding on these foods, transferring to cereals and other complex carbohydrates will let you have more vigor while feeding on less. Great blog post.
Everette Rebar
February 13, 2013 at 12:16 AM Link
what would be a good strapline for a marketing company????
Iuvare
February 27, 2013 at 4:51 AM Link
Issues You Need To Know About Network Marketing
Look at the tips in the following paragraphs and learn how you can achieve success at online marketing.
You must carry normal conferences for your personal crew. It is
advantageous for the group whenever you all get together on a regular basis.
Set up your multilevel marketing internet site like a tutorial is to establish.
Providing clear, that can improve the chances of you capitalizing on your
advertising features. These the two increase your network regular
membership along with your promoting cash flow.
If you’ve decided to start a MLM undertaking, you should take into account the overall compensation bundle that is accessible to you and whom ever you possess joined or teamed on top of. While you are certain of the quantity and volume of your own repayments as well as any other positive aspects you may have coming over to you, you will know if you are expending time wisely or ought to be available to other choices.
Keep your meetings limited by 60 minutes long. When the multilevel marketing conference requires a long time, it would appear more difficult and time-ingesting towards the possibility.
Examine the things you been unsuccessful and take the details discovered to coronary heart.
In the event you discovered an advertisement which says you can “make hundreds on a monthly basis with your leisure time!!!, you will not be successful. You have got to operate really challenging at Network marketing if you would like become successful. Make a promise that you will obtain the most effort everyday, and this will pave just how for any firm foundation in multiple-levels advertising and marketing.
You must produce thorough goals for each element of your existing web marketing strategy. This will keep you motivated anything to focus on and drive you to definitely carry on.
A great way to evaluate your multi-levels advertising and marketing is really as a mad dash to recruit by far the most members.
You have to know around you may about your merchandise.
Examine self-sufficient marketers to see how to product oneself when you use multi-level marketing specialists are going to do and learn from their accomplishments.
You can never make sure who is interested in what you need to sell.
While you should build a internet site for mlm, making use of social networking sites can easily get you going.An interesting and nicely created website, frequently current blog site is a good technique to add, once you have an internet site and so are on social websites sites. Your system boosts together with your on the internet existence in the interpersonal placing.
We all love to obtain one thing perfect for just a deal!Seek out network marketing company that include vouchers to share with you together with your consumers. Men and women will be more more likely to take a desire for your product if they have a reduced price.
Well before investing any money in to a marketing enterprise ensure that you analysis them with the BBB. There are several genuine organizations out there, but there are many not so excellent kinds as well. You have to make certain that this purchase remains safe and secure.
The guidelines in this post will assist you to boost your success rate. In the end, your ultimate goal is to usher in as much profit as is possible. Make sure to apply each of the details you might have been given on this page, and force you to ultimately become successful.
Carolin Callabrass
March 6, 2013 at 10:47 PM Link
Comments like these are enlightenment and mood-lightening. Thank you for writing!
bagazniki rowerowe na tylna klape
March 18, 2013 at 8:36 AM Link
Useful information. Fortunate me I found your site accidentally, and I’m shocked why this twist of fate did not came about in advance! I bookmarked it.
DOWNLOAD BIOS FOR NINTENDO 3DS EMULATOR
March 19, 2013 at 8:07 AM Link
One more issue is really that video gaming has become one of the all-time main forms of entertainment for people of nearly every age. Kids have fun with video games, plus adults do, too. The actual XBox 360 is just about the favorite gaming systems for individuals that love to have a lot of video games available to them, and also who like to learn live with other people all over the world. Thank you for sharing your thinking.
Renato Tredennick
March 27, 2013 at 3:39 AM Link
Oh my goodness! an incredible post man. Thank you Even so We are suffering from issue with ur rss or atom . Don’t recognize the reason why Struggling to sign up for this. Will there be anyone getting identical really simply syndication issue? Anyone who is aware generously react. Thnkx
chromowanie felg
April 10, 2013 at 12:09 AM Link
niklowanie i zlocenie obwodów drukowanych w kapielach chemicznych i galwanicznych
Domenica Olinsky
April 17, 2013 at 10:32 PM Link
>An artistic video idea, a digital camera with an excellent resolution, one of those affordable camera stabilizers, willing actors, plus persistence to modify and cobble it all up, plus you’ve got a video. Even with no funds and with simple equipment, you possibly can
pavimento parquet
April 18, 2013 at 3:09 PM Link
naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to tell the reality nevertheless I will definitely come again again.
seo firm
April 21, 2013 at 5:01 AM Link
Hello!
In my opinion content articles are the most critical portion of a blog website, and you’ve got suceed in generating a excellent subject material on this site. I enjoyed browsing your post and will share it with some other. SEO is yet another important component of blogging, this seo service may help you get your page to the best standing of Google!
get me there
April 22, 2013 at 7:49 AM Link
Hi, nice to meet you, get me there
Vera
April 27, 2013 at 1:46 PM Link
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your web site.
Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems?
A number of my blog audience have complained about my website
not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in
Opera. Do you have any tips to help fix this problem?
microlan
May 10, 2013 at 3:24 AM Link
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part
I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.
cars
May 14, 2013 at 7:58 PM Link
Shopping for a new or used car can be a difficult process if you do not know what you
are doing. By educating yourself about car shopping before you head to the dealership, you can make things
easier for yourself. The following tips can help your next shopping trip be
more enjoyable.