BOOK: The Graphic Language of Neville Brody/3 (Thames & Hudson)
Inspiration from other graphic designers fuels every graphic designers work. I pick up ideas and concepts for designs every single day from looking at the work of my peers. As a magazine junkie, I’ve always been fascinated by typography and page layout. When I was at college from 1987-89, we were encouraged to subscribe to a newspaper and a magazine. I chose The Guardian - which had just undergone a revolutionary rebranding - and The Face.
Reading The Face was a revelation. The typography and page designs were jaw-dropping. I’d never seen anything like it. I immediately became obsessed with the lead designer - Neville Brody. The first volume of his collected work - ‘The Graphic Language of Neville Brody’ became a coveted possession. I’d pour over the pages, looking in wonder at what he created with typography.
Neville Brody is a design maverick, a visionary whose work has transcended boundaries and redefined the visual language of the 20th and 21st centuries. He is known for his bold experimentation, innovative typography, and his ability to challenge the norms of design. Recently published as the third instalment in the series, 'The Graphic Language of Neville Brody 3' is a culmination of Neville Brody's pioneering design concepts and ideologies so far.
One of the most profound influences Brody has had on me as a graphic designer is his emphasis on typography as an art form. Brody's ability to manipulate typefaces, bending them to his creative will, is awe-inspiring. His use of distorted and fragmented letterforms challenges traditional typography, and opens up a world of possibilities. This book showcases these experiments in glorious detail, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to push the boundaries of typographic design. It showcases a remarkable collection of his work spanning various media, including posters, album covers, magazine layouts, and corporate identities. This book serves as a beautiful visual encyclopedia of Brody's ongoing revolutionary design language.
Brody's work has always been at the forefront of technological advancements, and this book highlights his mastery in utilising technology as a tool for design. As a designer, I've learned to harness the power of digital tools and software to create (hopefully!) impactful designs, inspired by Brody’s work.
‘The Graphic Language of Neville Brody 3’ is not just a book; it's a design manifesto, a guide to breaking the rules, a celebration of typography, and a testament to the enduring influence of Neville Brody. For me, it will be another source of inspiration and a reminder that great design knows no bounds.
If you're even remotely interested in the power of typography and graphic design, this book is a must-read. It’ll look lovely on your coffee table too.