I remember embarking on my design career sixteen years ago banking on raw talent to make me irresistible to potential employers. Ever since elementary school my ability to draw, create, etc. had been noted by fellow students, teachers and parents. And now, with my well-crafted portfolio in hand, I was set to change the world. After all, I was talented. Everyone (including my grandmother) told me so.
Since then I've learned (sometimes the hard way) that my level of "raw" talent would never have gotten me very far. That romanticized idealism has been replaced with a pragmatic realism: we work in the real world with people, problems, and limits.
Beginning today, I plan to post an ongoing series of questions aimed at book designers as a way of opening discussion about various topics related to our industry. One thing that I so appreciate about the book design "community" is that though diverse in background, location, workstyle, etc, there is a strong camaraderie. The number of us who claim this profession is relatively small and I'm always appreciative of the respect and admiration that is shared. While the business of book design is competitive, the competition tends to breed better work all-around.
The Miracle: The Epic Story of Asia's Quest for Wealth.
By Asia Business Correspondent for Time, Michael Schuman.
Publisher: Harper Collins
Art Director: Richard Ljoenes; Jacket Design: Christopher Tobias
Reviewed in the Wall Street Journal.
Today is the 500th birthday of protestant theologian John Calvin, arguable one of the most influential thinkers, writers, and pastors in the history of the church. Like all men he had his "warts", which have been well-documented (though often misunderstood). However, his writings have endured the test of time and Christianity owes him a great deal.
Great new cover from Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich.
The site touts it as "a 'real' bookstore with Amazon prices and Amazon selection." Regardless if it meets that claim, Zoomii is pretty cool. It shows bestsellers on virtual bookshelves, arranged in sections like you would see at your local bookseller, covers face-out. There is also the option of searching by title, author, etc. Nice idea.
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