All Access: The Making of Thirty Extraordinary Graphic Designers (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "I grew up as a third-generation Japanese American sansei in Hawaii on the island of Kauai: very rural, country, small-town..." (more)
Key Phrases: record sleeve, design scene, New York, Big Active, Los Angeles (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

All Access juxtaposes an edited selection of greatest hits from the masters of design with their pre-fame work. Author Stefan Bucher illustrates 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 complements this visual timeline. Bucher also profiles 15 of the most exciting upcoming design stars from around the globe. As with the masters, Bucher explores their roads to early success and highlights the work that is lifting these young designers into the spotlight.

To be inspired, we need to see the awkward early days, which illustrate that there is hope for everyone. Heroes do not spring forth fully formed; they take the same challenging road we all take; it's their decisions that set them apart. This book is an inspiration for any designer setting out on the path to greatness, as well as a fun read for those well into their careers.

Designers profiled are Neal Ashby, Anne Burdick, Margo Chase, Ed Fella, Tom Hingston, Allen Hori, Mirko Ilic, Eike König, Hideki Nakajima, Stefan Sagmeister, Paul Sahre, Paula Scher, Rick Valicenti, Pete Vattanatham, James Victore, Paul White, as well as Camillia Ben Bassat, Big Active, Deanne Cheuk, Angela Detanico and Rafael Lain, Kjell Ekhorn and Jon Forss, Evan Gaffney, Denise Gonzales Crisp, Kim Hiorthøy, Hjalti Karlsson and Jan Wilker, Valerie Kiock, Harmine Louwé, Rinzen, Fiel Valdez, and Martin Woodtli.

About the Author

Stefan G. Bucher is the man behind 344 Design. He has lent his sometimes bold, sometimes intricate, but always personal and entertaining vision to everything from posters to catalogues to club flyers to CD packages for Sting and Whitney Houston. He designed a five and a half pound photography annual---American Photography 17---for which he received the 2002 D&AD Silver Award for Most Outstanding Complete Book Design. His work has been further recognized by AIGA, the Art Directors Club, the American Center for Design, the One Show, the Type Directors Club, STEP, HOW, Print, novum, and Communication Arts Magazine. He's happy that you're looking at his new book. He thinks you'll really like it. We all do. It's a good book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Rockport Publishers; illustrated edition edition (November 4, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592530796
• ISBN-13: 978-1592530793
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #511,463 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

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)

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

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.