"Studio Culture provides a unique glimpse into the inner workings of 28 leading graphic design studios. In a series of penetrating interviews, the secret life of the studio is revealed, and the mechanics of building and maintaining a vibrant studio culture are laid bare with disarming frankness."
The book is filled with stories from the business of design — from balancing the books to hiring interns and clients. On page 10, for instance, Nicola of London-based Build said, "We don't do printed portfolios. It just doesn't seem relevant any more. A couple of times in the past I dropped one off at a clients. They'd sit on it for a month and go, 'Oh, we didn't get a chance to look at it.'"
Interviewed throughout the book are inspiring design studios such as Edenspiekermann, Universal Everything, Milton Glaser, Inc., Coast, Pentagram, and many more.
The Milton Glaser interview was of particular interest, and he described his office like this:
"My office, which has always been more or less the same, is a big undifferentiated room. I sit in one place in the room, in the same relationship to the rest of the room as everybody else. There is no visual hierarchy."
I like the overall design by Spin, but what is it about some design books and tiny, tiny type? Maybe my eyesight isn't what it once was.
From the website:
"Studio Culture is a book for both seasoned professionals who have been running studios for years, and for idealistic designers contemplating starting up. It is the complete guide to creating, maintaining and growing a studio culture."
312pp, 165×230mm, 4 colour + 1 PMS
£24.95 + P&P
Get a copy from Unit Editions or on Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk.