Customer Reviews

Maximalism: The Graphic Design of Decadence and Excess

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book having read the other reviews, and thought, "how could I go wrong?" It has a great rating, and if the inside is anything like the cover, than this book must have tons of amazing Illustrations and designs in it.

I was very wrong and very disappointed when I finally got the chance to read through it. It has a hodge podge collection of designs, NONE of which resemble the dirty, decadence and excess that the cover art and title seemed to promise me(with the exception of those actually used on the cover, 3) and FEW of which came across as genuinely interesting. I dont feel the need to ever open this book again.

I was looking for a good reference source for high quality designs and interesting styles, and what I got was a book of blown up egos. If you love to read artist statements, thought processes and the like, this book is for you. However, if you prefer to have this kind of dialogue backed up with artistic excellence, look elsewhere.

Aesthetically, this book is one of the best I've seen. The cover is one of a kind and is an inspiration in and of itself. The meaning of the term Maximalism is definitely apparent in the book, but I was hoping for a little more educational information in regards to techniques, software, etc. The layout of the text is also somewhat confusing at times in relation to which piece they are referring. Overall, this book gets a 4 simply for the inspirational imagery within its contents.

Someone should do a decent book on Maximalism. The trend has already peaked and it is time for an overview. Sadly, this book isn't it. There is precious little text. There are no obvious references to artists nor a sense of obvious organization. Even the "curatorial" choices are poor. It strikes me as an entrepreneurial exercise. Someone got some images, crammed them together and went to press. It's really too bad...

a non-artist can accidentally make a minimalist design look good. there's no way you can make something with this "maximalist" style look good accidentally. this book is an example of good art. a nice addition to your collection. remember, you get better with every piece of art you appreciate.

I enjoy this book very much. It's very edgy and stylistic. contains many different styles- pop culture, contemporary designs, and typography. I love the contemporary pop art aspect of it. It really inspires me and helps me incorporate the style into my own designs. A good addition for a designer's library.

This is a great book for inspiration and motivation. This book for me tends to be way too busy to read the text, but the graphics are wicked! It is definitely eye candy!!!! The colors and images will keep your attention. Great book for design blocks. Definitely add this to your library if you are looking for eye candy.

This book is very very interesting to say the least. I think it belongs in every designers library. While the examples in the book aren't very practical (if you freelance or work for a normal ad agency this stuff wont fly), they are inspiring, and very beautiful (most of them).

wonderful addition to any library. I look at it again and again..so inspiring!

Culture Advertising Design is a design agency in Atlanta. We keeps it Trill. Years from now we will look back on this book as absolute "dope". It's a definitive collection of the most influential style of design in the beginning of the 21st century. Born of the Hip-Hop generation and it's intrinsic hodge podge nature, maximalism speaks instantly to youth and vibrancy. We may be getting saturated at this time, but for 2005-06 this is what's happening in the streets playboy.

this is the Shizznit!!! had great times with it. in and out the bathroom.