Things I have learned in my life so far by Stefan Sagmeister
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Book Reviews of Things I have learned in my life so far
Book Review: Taking small dosages...
Summary: 5 Stars
When I was younger and before I knew I was going to be a designer, I was into basketball. In the afternoons, before going to the courts to play for a few hours, I would watch "NBA Action" on TV, which would get me "pumped" and full of anticipation/inspiration. Many times I felt that my good playing of a particular day was greatly influenced by the positive vibes I got from watching NBA superstars at their best.
Now, it is design books that I think cause the same feeling on me. They obviously don't guarantee great designing, but they are tremendously inspiring and definitely contribute to predisposing me to aim higher.
I typically devour these publications, like a music fan would do with a latest release. It seems like the most logical and fan-like thing to do, doesn't it?
Well, this time I'm trying something different.
In the case of Stefan's new book, I've decided to administer its contents in small dosages, so as to enjoy its great effects for a longer period of time. Being that the book comes in unbound signatures, this method becomes easier for me, because I can just pick one and read it slowly when I need a fix the most.
What I experienced with "Made you Look" (Stefan's previous title) is something I continue to experience with "Things I Have Learned in My Life so Far," and that is not just the elation from looking at the images and solutions to design problems; I feel it's the way of his thinking and the honesty with which the stories are written, that I find the most contagious in terms of inspiration, optimism and hope.
Book Review: The only design book I've had to own since Robert Brownjohn: Sex and Typography
Summary: 5 Stars
Many publishers produce hundreds of thousands of boring books in the hope that they will be able to keep paying dividends to their investors and salaries to themselves. One could be forgiven for thinking that their professional teams of editors, art directors, and sales executives review potential titles and remove challenging material, unexpected, imaginative, or risky concepts, and especially self-indulgent works created for the pure pleasure of their own existence (instead of for the express purpose of making money). In this tragic environment, it's a small miracle that a book like Sagmeister's Things I Learned... emerges unexpurgated and fresh - with the potential for sales to millions who simply love his passion. My friend the photojournalist Philip Jones Griffiths who died last month, created the book Vietnam Inc. He made no profit from it in the beginning, but It helped end the Vietnam war. Philip's passion was for peace. Stefan's is for something else - beauty? truth? I think everyone should buy this book - if only to prove to publishers and media moguls everywhere that we want more truth, more beauty, more passion in our lives - and we're willing to vote with our wallets: "All together now..."
Robert Appleton, AGI
Book Review: A Significant Book for Design
Summary: 5 Stars
I believe that Sagmeister's projects documented in this book are historically and culturally significant for the design profession. While many designers have explored the relationship of authorship and design, very few (if any) have been able to do it on the scale and with the cultural impact that Sagmeister has achieved.
What is most important is that Stefan has opened the door for design to serve in communication of concepts other than those of buying and selling, products and services, or even political causes and charitable events. His designs here begin to communicate beliefs, ideas and values in ways that engage and interact with viewers in a manner very similar to the ways filmmakers and musicians do. The work in this book may entertain, amuse, inspire, offend or puzzle at any given turn -- presenting unusual perspectives, simple insights, funny observations and compelling questions with wit, skill and a good dose of guts.
We can only hope that he will continue to find new and interesting ways to engage the world with designs that attempt to speak to the human soul rather than designs that desire to "brand." And we can hope that he will inspire an entire generation of designers to do the same.
Book Review: things I have learned from this book
Summary: 5 Stars
"trying to look good limits my life" and "everything I do always comes back to me" are two of my favorites.
I have always admired Stefan Sagmeister's ability to bring together a sincerity of purpose with a lot of (obvious) fun in the realization of his projects. I myself had a lot of fun reading and looking at this "book", after having seen the same titled show in New York City, detecting details that escaped me at the very crowded gallery, chuckling at the whimsy and imagination that went into it.
As in "Made You Look", Stefan wraps his pieces with delightful and sometimes very personal stories and anecdotes, which definitely adds to the overall impression that this is not just another design book, it's a great way to meet an artist/designer who has something to say, and who does it well.
I bought five copies at the show, they make great gifts. Maybe I should have waited for the amazon discount, though. Highly recommended.
Book Review: Things I have learned in my life so far
Summary: 5 Stars
I've admired Stefan's work since my first days in design school. The first time I had Made you look in my hands, I was shocked and deeply impressed to feel, really feel something while reading about and looking at someone's work.
Now, almost five years after that experience I finally got my copy of Things I have learned in my life so far (I live in Mexico) and I just felt thrilled like a teenager while reading it (even while opening the box).
This is not a book for designers, its more an inspiring piece that really makes you think about your life and how you reflect what you believe in in your work and personal relations. (and for designers, your jaw will fall at the sight of every poster, installation and spread included in it)
Visually amusing, beautifully designed, touching and really really inspiring. Get it before it reaches $195, just like Made You Look.