All Access: The Making of Thirty Extraordinary Graphic Designers [Paperback]

STEFAN G. BUCHER (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2006

All Access takes a "before they were stars" look at twenty-five giants in the graphic design industry by juxtaposing an edited selection of the stars' greatest hits with their "pre-fame" work. Author Stefan Bucher showcases their visual history, the first pieces that made them stars, their transitional work, and the eventual breakthrough pieces that caused their names to be known around the world. Insightful text exploring mentors, education, and eureka moments complement this visual timeline illustrating the journey from struggling novice to master designer.

In addition to the twenty-five giants, Bucher also profiles twenty of the most exciting upcoming design stars from around the globe. As with the masters, Bucher explores their road to early success, and showcases the work that is currently lifting these young designers into the spotlight. These are their early days, yet the work they are producing is groundbreaking and inspiring.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stefan G. Bucher is the Art Director of Pasadena-based 344 Design designing CD packages for Sting, Minority Report, The Matrix, Solar Twins, Whitney Houston, Alanis Morissette, S Club 7, and bossa:nova. In a land beyond CDs, he is responsible for the Roxio "Burning CD" logo, as well as for the five and a half pound annual American Photography 17 for which he received the 2002 D&AD Silver Award for "Most Outstanding Complete Book Design". His work has been recognized by AIGA, the Art Directors Club, the American Center for Design, the One Show, the Type Directors Club, HOW, Print, STEP, novum, and Communication Arts Magazine. He lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Rockport Publishers (February 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592532772
• ISBN-13: 978-1592532773
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,426,977 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stefan G. Bucher is the man behind 344design.com, and dailymonster.com. He is the author of the books '100 Days of Monsters,' "All Access - The Making of Thirty Extraordinary Graphic Designers,' 'The Graphic Eye,' and the new 'You Deserve A Medal - Honors on the Path to True Love.' He has created designs for Sting, David Hockney, and director Tarsem, and works with a whole roster of creatively ambitious clients.

British Design & Art Direction has honored him with a Yellow Pencil for 'Most Outstanding Complete Book Design,' and in 2004 the Art Directors Club of New York declared him a Young Gun. His time-lapse drawings currently appear on the rebooted classic TV show 'Electric Company' on PBS.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New designer? Old pro? Doesn't matter. . .buy this book., May 24, 2005

By 

James Bowman - See all my reviews

This review is from: All Access: The Making of Thirty Extraordinary Graphic Designers (Hardcover)

Eureka! There really is no other design book quite like Stefan Bucher's All Access: The Making of Thirty Extraordinary Graphic Designers. The book offers a privileged glimpse at the thoughts/processes/experiences that do indeed make the 30 featured designers so extraordinary.

Extremely well-researched, beautfully written, and of course, flawlessly designed. Bucher's tone is refreshingly sincere, even kind in its approach (em dash) a big part of why I never wanted to put it down once I began reading it. Whether you're a cover-to-cover type or a skimmer, you'll find every aspect of this book extremely accessible.

Highly recommended reading/viewing for anyone interested in design. Make it the default gift to all the creatives in your life and you can't go wrong. And if you ever get an opportunity to see him speak in front of an audience, you must not pass it up.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars READ NOW!, June 3, 2005

By 

nicholas cottrell (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: All Access: The Making of Thirty Extraordinary Graphic Designers (Hardcover)

After seeing Stefan's presentation at the recent San Diego Y Conference, I had to read his book. In addition to an awesome layout and beautiful typography, All Access features profiles on some of the most innovative and inspiring designers in the industry today. I especially enjoyed reading about the evolution of each designer's career path, from the early struggles to world renowned success. A must-read for anyone passionate about design.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Totally Accessible, April 27, 2005

By 

Habro "jeff" (Tdot) - See all my reviews

This review is from: All Access: The Making of Thirty Extraordinary Graphic Designers (Hardcover)

Stefan Bucher's All Access: The Making of Thirty Extraordinary Graphic Designers is a fantastic addition to any designers collection, and a true guide for young designers.

The book traces the origins, and development of over thirty graphic designers from (in some cases) infancy, to the present. I have never read a book on design which was more truthful from the designers' standpoint. It speaks of their first memories creating, and how those moments shaped their lives and careers. It also describes, in their own words what motivates them, and what discouraged them in their careers.

Its not a theoretical description of what design should be, but a realistic show-piece of actual practical work, with specific examples of the thought behind the piece.

Nothing else like it out there. Real people with relevant experiences to share, and invaluable lessons to be learned. Read it.