Graphic Artist, Toby Neilan, is currently working on a new project called Studio XX. The purpose of the project is to illustrate the interiors of leading British Design agencies. His project consists of taking photographic images of the studio spaces, and then creating a posterised, illustrated version of these spaces. The subtitle, A look inside twenty design studios, aims to do just that. It is a project that began by contacting twenty design firms, asking them to send a photo of their studio / working space for Toby to interpret. His aim to produce a series of prints, which Toby will exhibit  in conjunction with the book publication. Above, is ours, and below are images from the aptly named Studio Small and Farrow. We love the way Mr. Farrow has the timezone clocks, even one for Manchester. Vistoe shelving seems to be the studio shelving system of choice. http://www.tobyneilan.com/

A question mark usually hovers over my head when visiting a church, but this artist literally placed one over the alter. This light installation in the Parisian church of Saint Paul et Saint Louis was part of the annual ‘La Nuit Blanche’ festival in 2007. It is featured in a new book, ‘Alphabets, A Miscellany of Letters’, published by Black Dog Publishing.

Visitors entered the church through a lateral door and first saw a scattered group of luminous spheres hovering above the choir. As people approached the centre of the nave, the spheres began to form a giant question mark. The artist, Robert Sadler, sought to illustrate the profound symbolic association of light and knowledge. Simple, stunning and effective. Another ‘I wish I’d done that’ moment. 

Nearly done with book day…. I have two heroes of design, notably both American. I do not subscribe to contemporary design magazines, or buy contemporary design biographies because I feel I have still too much to learn about the past before I admire the present. If I could advise any designer to whom to look to, I would say Robert Brownjohn and Saul Bass. Brownjohn’s visual biography, ‘Sex and Typography’ is always by my side at home and at work. He did what I aspire to do: Outstanding Still and Motion design. Now, finally, a definitive book on another American genius, Saul Bass, has arrived. Between these two men, they have completed every project I have ever aspired to be part of: James Bond opening sequences, Identities for Aircraft Livery and titles to the most famous films ever made. “Saul Bass, A Life in Film & Design” has finally been published. If you only buy one more book on design to accompany Brownjohn’s, buy this one. You will never need another for inspiration. Turn off the computer, and dive into this. This is why I do what I do.

Whilst none of us could do without the web, there are days when it gets too overwhelming. It is refreshing to look away, and get into some books instead. Today is book day, for me, at the office. The retro novelty of looking through books and getting inspiration is something that I really try to encourage people to do, but time often gets in the way. Remember that feeling of discovering an idea embedded in a book? Well, for those of you who have visited our offices, we are book addicts. Here is a recent influx of new titles that we particularly like. New York, is the common theme for this bunch. Beautiful production values, and great photographers. Set your screen to sleep and learn to turn the pages, rather than sweep them with your finger. It feels much nicer.

Back in June 1989, when the doors of St Martin’s closed on myself and collaborator Sandro Sodano, we were unemployable. Step forward our tutor John Ingledew. He offered us some desk space at his studio at 10/11 Archer Street. After working out what to do at this fabled desk, ABOUD SODANO was formed, and we remained in Soho until 2002. Due to this, and his support during the early years, we have become great friends. John went on to continue educating and inspiring subsequent years worth of St. Martin’s students, so much so, that you can identify and instantly create a rapport with them once the connection is made. Kindred spirits and all that.

Since St. Martin’s, John has travelled and taught the world, temporarily leaving his beloved Stamford Bridge at times. China has come and gone, and is possibly on the horizon again, but more noteworthy is his new book which has just been published. “The A-Z of Visual Ideas. How to Solve any Creative Brief” has just been published by Laurence King. What possibly was intended for any fledgling Creative indeed could prove invaluable for any Creative trying to understand how to solve a brief. It is not patronising, it is not elementary, it is plainly excellent in the way it breaks down into simple blocks the elements that can be used and engaged in order to create great creative work. I avoid contemporary design books like the Plague, but this one features contemporary and historical design in just the right equal measures. Buy it.

SP books are a small self financed publishing company specialising in short run editions. Their new book is called ‘One Day Taking Photographs in Belfast’ by Peter Mann and Donovan Wylie. It features images taken in and around central Belfast. What makes the book stand out is its clever use of digital printing. Each book has a different cover, thus making it truly unique. It is also a limited edition of 200 copies. The small run pointed the publishers towards digital printing – a technology that has improved enormously in recent years. Unlike traditional litho printing, there are no expensive set-up costs (plates etc.) which are traditionally such a challenge when producing such a small run. It also meant that they were able to push the design in an interesting direction. Every one of the 200 copies has a completely unique cover and is numbered on the reverse, something that simply cannot be done with litho. Each copy is also hand numbered. The book is available for purchase on their website.  www.spbooks.org

For the passing fan or the honorary Jedi that knows ever detail of the series, ‘Star Wars:The Blueprints’ offers an (expensive) opportunity to discover how an entire galaxy was engineered.

Compiling over 200 of the original production, highly detailed architectural drawings created for all six films of the STAR WARS Saga, the book provides an in-depth look into the universe that was painstakingly pieced together down to the most minute detail. Complimenting the blueprints are over 500 photographs (which even highlight the construction process) and illustrations. The downside to this potentially incredible book is it’s price. On pre-order for $450.00 an limited to an edition of 5000, it was be in every Lucas geek’s shopping cart any day now.

It is good to see other design studios self publishing these days. Fuel are no strangers to this area. Knowing personally the cost to get a book off the ground and self financed, I am really happy to see another great project like this one seeing the light of day. ‘Own Label’ is due to be released on September 5th. It is a compendium of Sainsbury’s own label packaging a graphics from 1962-1977. From the few images we have seen, it looks like a fabulous book documenting a fantastic age of packaging design.

Just came across a beautiful new book by artist Jeffrey Conley, called ‘Winter’. It is published by wonderful US company Nazraeli Press. Jeffrey Conley’s gorgeous first monograph, which takes its name from its primary subject, comprises a selection of 42 images of the essence of “Winter.” Known for his meticulously crafted black and white prints, which have been widely exhibited and collected in the United States and abroad, Conley lives and works in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. “Winter” is published in a first edition of 1,000 casebound copies.

Filming today with artist and ex St. Martin’s colleague, Charming Baker, at his studio in Deptford, I was so taken by some of the books that he has sourced as mood imagery. This book caught my eye, most importantly. “Self Defence for Women” is a brilliant publication from the seventies advocating ways of attacking lecherous men. I especially love the copy. Read it and weep. www.charmingbaker.com