When studying graphic design, you’ll eventually cross paths with the Swiss. Considered the archetype of modern graphic design, Swiss Style is to designers like Dark Side of the Moon is to Hippies. Something completely necessary once exposed to it’s awesomeness. Using strict typographical standards, Swiss Style focused on creating at the micro level, enabling greater functionality and readability. Published in 1965, Graphic Design Manual by Armin Hofmann is considered required reading for any designer serious about their craft.
So why am I telling you this? Because the above book was a dollar away from the dustbin and I couldn’t standby and let that happen. So like Bill sitting on the steps of Capitol Hill, this book needed to see better days. With the help of longtime ASWS friend David Kim, The Graphic Design Manual went on a trip home. Packing the book on their Honeymoon to Europe, Dave (and wife Dede) stopped in Switzerland where he had previously attended the Basel School of Design, where Armin Hofmann was his instructor. Still in contact with the Hofmanns, Dave pulled off the farthest book return evar. [Continue...]
