Journal: Kidd and Rand

Chip Kidd is a graphic designer particularly well-known for his book covers. He did a talk for TED which can be found here:

If a bit silly at times, this talk is a great introduction to book cover design. Chip teaches us to ask this vital question: 'what do the stories look like?'. He brilliantly sums up his job with this simple statement: 'a book designer gives form to content', and he emphasizes the necessity of a careful balance between the two. Chip tells us the importance of not treating your audience like morons— you either say the thing or show the thing, but never both simultaneously. In his talk, he walks us through some of the covers he has designed, and the stories behind them, all of which are solutions that derive their origins from the text. He says that a book designer is both an interpreter and a translator. Chip gives us an example of how looking at a book cover can be an experience, seeing the spine and picking it up off a shelf. He also expresses his very firm opinion that books are meant to be interacted with on a physical level, and not viewed on a screen.
I really resonated with the depth of meaning behind his mostly simple designs. Every element is intentional and has a purpose.

The School of Visual Arts did a special lecture series by Steven Heller about the famous graphic designer Paul Rand, which can be seen here:

Paul Rand made book covers around the late 50's and 60's, which could be considered a bit radical for that time. Rand was interested in abstract expressionalism. Heller claims that his covers have a timeless look that can't be dated, but I don't necessarily agree with that. Rand put his signatures on most of his covers, suggesting that they are more than just books, but rather art. Heller says that Rand's covers are not about telling the whole story, because that can be done on the book's back cover, but rather giving an impression of the book. Paul Rand's design was about considering all the elements and then making the right decision. His covers have a definite recognizable style, simple yet brilliantly designed.