Book review: People of Print

As our world becomes more and more congested, our eyes busy digesting images, information, products… design increasingly takes centre stage directing our vision and assisting us in our consumption. This includes graphics, type and illustration.

People of Print celebrates innovative, independent design and illustration. The latest book by Thames & Hudson features over 400 artwork by 50 leading practitioners and gallerists selected from around the world who operate in the world of print.

The book pays tribute to the on-line library of the same name, People of Print, founded by Marcroy Smith, one of the authors, in 2008. Here he is presenting some of the work produced and championed by his community – work for corporations, charity, education and cultural institutions. Interviews with academics working in this area, and industry professionals add to an interesting global view on the subject.

Recently I was fortunate enough to work on The Life Negroni. Published by Spinach, it is an intriguing book that straddles the world of cocktails and mixology, of art and design, of liquid history.

It was fascinating to witness how the art team took my words, waved their magic wand to transform a few humble letters that coalesce in words into a sumptuous 300-plus printed book. Through thought-provoking type, juxtaposition of images and an eye for detail they transformed words into a visual narrative, a delicious journey.

People of Print is written by Marcroy Smith and Andy Cook and published by Thames & Hudson.

Nargess Banks

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