Mixing Messages (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Between 1980 and 1995 graphic design in the United States took part in revolutionary changes in communications..." (more)
Key Phrases: new typography, magazine design, interview with author, New York, National Design Museum, Tibor Kalman (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Every library contains myriad books documenting the impact of technology in the emerging information age and the parallel evolution of a media-saturated culture over the last two decades. But even as pundits so often discuss the increasing centrality of image and form in our world, too few works exist that either document the recent changes in the field of design or analyze the ubiquity of visual expression. Integrating both these goals successfully, as this catalog to an exhibition at the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum does, is a feat worthy of attention. Lupton, curator of contemporary design at the Cooper-Hewitt and author of Design Writing Research (Kiosk, 1996), one of the most incisive and far-ranging works on graphic design in recent years, is uniquely qualified to bring these issues to a larger public. Individual chapters look at broad developments in design culture and trends in visual expression in public space, typography, corporate identity, and publishing. Innumerable examples range from billboards and book jackets to palm cards for clubs and fanzines. Lupton's trenchant text makes this more than just a best-of collection, however, giving readers a comprehensive context for understanding designers' hidden meanings. For all collections.?Eric Bryant, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"How do we disseminate information? And what does it look like? Ellen Kupton answers that in her new book, Mixing Messages: Graphic Design in Contemporary Culture. Lupton looks at the mission of design through discussions about publishing, signage, typography, corporate identity and the use of design in public places. Mixing Messages will fascinate fans of design, culture or social history." -- Boston Globe Magazine

Lupton's exploration of graphic design in modern culture uses numerous color graphic design examples to trace the social and artistic function of graphic design in society. Chapters examine both intellectual and artistic messages inherent in graphic artists' productions, using examples of modern works to consider mediums and messages. An intriguing survey any designer will want to consult. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press; 2nd edition (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156898099X
• ISBN-13: 978-1568980997
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #293,689 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An indespensible book if you can find it., September 27, 2000

By	Max Fenton (Charlottesville, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's 2:40 in the morning; I'm recovering from a nasty headcold. What could possibly have me awake and typing?

I've poured over 175 beautiful pages for the last day, and now I just want to read everything she's written.

Delving into the graphic design industry, its history and heroes, particularly since the advent of the Macintosh and desktop publishing both inspires and entertains.

A fabulously researched book with exquisite reproductions and wonderful design of its own.