Customer Reviews

Make It Bigger

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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Many kudos to Paula Scher on her wonderful new book, Make It Bigger. Not being a designer myself, I am especially appreciative of Make It Bigger's informative descriptions of the negotiation process that goes on between the designer and the client. It helped put into perspective for me that invisible "something" that exists when a breakthrough piece of graphic art emerges. Besides the creative, visual flash of a challenging image, each graphic art object that survives the editorial process gives off an optimism that must be something akin to those first aviators who believed in flight, despite gravity and the conventions of rational wisdom.

Make it Bigger also represents (to the best of my knowledge) the first publishers' edition binding to be produced as a tight back, breaking a run of hollow-back edition bindings dating back to the inception of the genre, c.1820. While I'm sure most folks will be impressed with the edge printing (which is very slick), and the wonderful layout, the book's physical structure (which is something akin to a mechanized Bradel binding) breaks all kinds of ground. (I would have loved to have seen the discussions that must gone on between the author and the binder!).

In addition to its unique packaging and stunning visual presentation, Make It Bigger is the most entertaining work on graphic art I've ever read. Scher's writing style is honest, accessible, and absolutely absorbing, as are her candor, her humor, and most of all her precocious creativity. I cannot say enough to convey my sincere admiration for this wonderful book.

Randy Silverman
Preservation Librarian

A great read for anyone who is ready to make the jump from art school to working clients. Scher goes into excellent detail about working with illustrators, the structure (and politics) of agency work, her strategies/approach to design. She also shares good insight on how to work most effectively with clients who may not know a whole lot about design. I found this very practical, and a very easy read. I am also a big fan of her work, which spans several decades.

The topic of this book is basically "I'm so cool" by Paula Scher--which is fine, because Paula Scher really is one of the coolest people in design. I especially liked the first few chapters of the book, which talk about her early experiences working at CBS Records during the 1970s.

I love Paula Scher's style, and find that she is an inspiration to my painting and graphic design. I like this book, because it's full of simple, modern, jazzy ideas, which are always the best.

Big fan of Paula Scher and this book doesn't disappoint at all!! Wonderful depictions of Paula's work. Beautifully illustrated and laid out with the story behind the artist. Would recommend to anyone interested in graphic artistry at its best.

Too often designers see their own result(s) and design solutions without the knowledge of the 'client process' . . . a truly remarkable reality in this business. ALL design students should be made aware of this aspect of the profession, possibly even before seriously considering if one wants to be a designer. There is so much more to it than having an 'AHA' on one's own. Ms. Scher has presented this in a manner both pictorially and honestly with examples and explanations . . . and, of course, with much experience in the real world of design (which must also include some humor). I have been a designer for thirty years and would recommend this as part of required reading from the start for future "wannabes" and for all of us who need that reassurance that this is indeed how it works.

Many kudos to Paula Scher on her wonderful new book, Make It Bigger. Not being a designer myself, I am especially appreciative of Make It Bigger's informative descriptions of the negotiation process that goes on between the designer and the client. It helped put into perspective for me that invisible "something" that exists when a breakthrough piece of graphic art emerges. Besides the creative, visual flash of a challenging image, each graphic art object that survives the editorial process gives off an optimism that must be something akin to those first aviators who believed in flight, despite gravity and the conventions of rational wisdom.

Make it Bigger also represents (to the best of my knowledge) the first publishers' edition binding to be produced as a tight back, breaking a run of hollow-back edition bindings dating back to the inception of the genre, c.1820. While I'm sure most folks will be impressed with the edge printing (which is very slick), and the wonderful layout, the book's physical structure (which is something akin to a mechanized Bradel binding) breaks all kinds of ground. (I would have loved to have seen the discussions that must gone on between the author and the binder!).

In addition to its unique packaging and stunning visual presentation, Make It Bigger is the most entertaining work on graphic art I've ever read. Scher's writing style is honest, accessible, and absolutely absorbing, as are her candor, her humor, and most of all her precocious creativity. I cannot say enough to convey my sincere admiration for this wonderful book.

Randy Silverman
Preservation Librarian

I have to say I'm not a big "fan" of Paula Scher's visual style, it's far too "horsey" and "big-boned" for my taste, but I am a fan of what she has to say about the design profession and her experience in it.

This book is an excellent reference/story book on the frustrations of dealing with clients (which are many, as I can relate) who have poor taste or are just clueless. I agree with everything Paula says here and enjoyed the grain of salt with all that's said. I can feel the frustration and exasperation Paula speaks of as anyone worth their blood has designed something great, only to have a client with tunnel vision ruin it. Sigh.

Any serious designer should read this book, or already has. I would have no problem calling anyone who hasn't read it a poseur in this profession!

I ordered this book late November in 2006. It was not in stock, so expected to ship sometime in February. Every 3 weeks I received another email notifying that the expected ship and delivery dates were pushed back another month or two.
There's NO reason that this should happen - so I googled the book and eventually found a publisher's site to order from.

Great book, but BOO amazon.

Paul Scher hit me. No, literally. On a student tour of the Koppel/Scher offices, I was standing by a closet--Paula flung the door open and I provided the rubber stop. Though it's been a struggle, the last 12 years have softened my emotional pain. Make It Bigger provided some very necessary closure.
Also, trust whatever Randy Silverman (a previous reviewer) says about anything, especially anything concerning design. Frighteningly insightful.