Squares, Checks, and Grids (Communicating with Pattern) [Paperback]

Mark Hampshire (Author), Keith Stephenson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Communicating with Pattern | Publication Date: January 30, 2008

A unique showcase exploring the use of pattern for visual communication across design disciplines.

Communicating with Pattern: Squares, Checks, and Grids is a celebration of the squarest, most linear patterns in every design discipline.

Squares and checks represent order, mathematics, technical precision, minimalism, and modernism. From graphs and grids, to pixels and road signs, squares and checks make up the framework, the very map of our existence. They are also embedded in the very weave of our history, from Wicca and Christian iconography to traditional checked and tartan cloths.

This book is a visual homage to squares and checks, an inspirational graphic collection of squares and checks from all environments, an exciting sourcebook of pattern ideas for designers across disciplines.

• Rich, stimulating, and varied creative sourcebook with a wealth of material for designers
• Part of the ultimate ôpattern bibleö: the Communicating with Pattern series

**North American Rights Only**

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Hampshire (London, UK), along with Keith Stephenson (London, UK), directs Absolute Zero Degrees, a multidisciplinary agency designing corporate identities, packaging, books, wallpaper, and interiors accessories. They are the co-authors of the Communicating with Pattern series and DemoGraphics: Packaging and Choosing and Using Paper for Great Graphic Design.

Mark Hampshire is a freelance brand consultant, and has previously worked in senior roles in Identica, In Real Life, Cato Consulting, and Carlton Television. Keith Stephenson is founding director of Absolute Zero Degrees design. His work ranges from contemporary wallpaper to book design, and he has designed and illustrated Mass-Market Classics: The Home and Bright Ideas: Professional Lighting Secrets for Your Home. They both live in London, UK

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: RotoVision (January 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 2940361827
• ISBN-13: 978-2940361823
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,356,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Squares, Checks, and Grids (Communicating with Pattern), June 16, 2009

By 

Doerte NYC (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Squares, Checks, and Grids (Communicating with Pattern) (Paperback)

The book is very informative and clearly set out in chapters which group together different uses of the pattern. I didn't find a collection of amateur photography here- in fact: established names such as Mario Testino showcase in this piece and add to a versatile mix. Great examples of contemporary fashion, graphics and architectural design from some of the worlds top designers as well as independent designers, mixed with the wealth of images which illustrate the text and create an educational read. I found this book very useful in my work: The use of grids in De Stijl and Mondrian, misconceptions about the history of tartans, the development of gingham as well as pixel art and space invaders wrapped up in a text that will rope you in.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fun to look through, not particularly instructional, March 29, 2009

By 

Nora Brown "Nora Brown Design" (Boston, MA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Squares, Checks, and Grids (Communicating with Pattern) (Paperback)

I'm afraid I largely agree with Brent G., even though I have a piece in this book (p 056!).

There are plenty of nice examples here, from colloquial designs to works of art and graphic design, but there is no unifying direction. The book presents a lot of nice pictures, but doesn't make any real point about them.

But, why should it have to? If you're looking for a wide variety of squares, checks and grids in the world, and not analysis of why they are used or are effective, then this book serves the purpose.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Could be better, February 14, 2009

By 

Brent G. - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Squares, Checks, and Grids (Communicating with Pattern) (Paperback)

This book (and all the others in the series) have potential to be good books. BUT they offer little to no information other than the seemingly basic presentation of photographs (LOADS OF PHOTOGRAPHS) but little content in the form of useful information.

This would make a good coffee table book or a source for elementary school teachers looking for a small book thats slapped full of pictures. But if you are an art/design student considering purchasing this or any of the other books in this series, look elsewhere for more informative and educational books. (Unless you really like lots of pictures [which are most if not all shot by amateur photographers])