obsessions & anything inbetween
I think, 2009—2010 did not see any significant designer monographs. Probably one interesting one would be Seymour: The Obsessive Images of Seymour Chwast published mid of last year.
But anyway, here is one I’m currently reading; and like many others, I’m a fan.
More info on the book here.
The truth is, I think many designers don’t get away well enough by being designers. If anyone who wants to be a designer, either fake it well or make sure you have sufficient skills/brains/eye for detail/interest/indulgance/ into the world of graphic design. Part of your personality as a graphic designer will show in the things you carry and wear, even drive. Some things don’t come cheap unfortunately, but it might just help sell your services a little bit better…
One way to get away with it is to have cool notebook covers:
The book on the right is where I use the very traditional way of writing down quotations given by suppliers/printers:
A classic Charles Mossant advertising poster on the cover of a notebook will surely add some level of sophistication…
Dedicated to an ex-lecturer. Thank you for being an inspiration.
Typeface: Trade Gothic, what else? 
This art piece currently sits comfortably in our clients meeting room, facing one of the directors I think.
More images for the upcoming Antalis Paper Fantasy Exhibition. One thing you should know is that the interior design is done by Paul + Pris. Check out their website to view some beautiful works.
This is actually a lantern. With a light bulb installed inside. When lited up, the watermarks will be visible.
“In the movie Helvetica, Massimo Vignelli said that Helvetica was a Modernist typeface – No! No! Helvetica is anything but Modernist, Clearly it has its roots in Akzidenz Grotesk and that was designed in 1899, which is Victorian as far as I am concerned. Akzidenz is a fantastic font but it’s not Modernist, it’s got a really antique feel about it.”
—Bruno Maag on Helvetica.
Take from Creative Review blog, titled The Helvetica Killer (absolutely brutal title I think). It also shows interesting views on Helvetica vs Univers and their new nemesis, Aktiv Grotesk. This is how I look like on-screen in Aktiv Grotesk:
I don’t use Helvetica anymore but the thing is how should I categorize this now? At least in my profession (as a graphic designer) Modernism is Helvetica. Blogs preach about it, designers argue about it and even lecturers teach about it. Also taking into consideration that Victorian stuff is usually decorative and ornamental (and also that floral thingie…), which is the exact opposite of the general understanding of Modernist Principles that Helvetica impresses us with.
Helvetica is Victorian; honestly, I have never seen it that way before. Respect.
Some amatuer shots on wip for an upcoming paper exhibition by Antalis Malaysia, called Paper Fantasy.
Features a collective collaboration of works from various graphic designers, interior designers and a even a local fashion designer! More updates after the exhibition.
Also, please follow @hooiwan on twitter, she’s one of the main persons in charge on the exhibition.
