Multiple Signatures: On Designers, Authors, Readers and Users

by Michael Rock, Rick Poynor (Contributor), Mark Wigley (Contributor)

In the tradition of John Berger’s Ways of Seeing, Michael Rock, principal and founder of 2x4 Design in New York, explores the history and development of twenty-first-century visual and design culture. This book presents a thoughtful and witty exploration of graphic design today produced by Michael Rock of 2x4, the powerhouse creative firm that partners with some of the most design-savvy brands and institutions in the world to develop design systems that draw on both modernist traditions and the exuberance of contemporary life. Set forth in an engaging and humorous way, Multiple Signatures examines all aspects of modern design, from typography to the evolution of screens in advertising to trusting one’s own creative instincts, through a series of smart and often irreverent essays and images. Using 2x4’s own collaborations and projects as examples, and drawing on the experience of the contributing authors, the result is not a clinical textbook, but a fantastic and thought-provoking work about the limitless applications of design. A must-have for design students and professionals, Multiple Signatures challenges standard ways of understanding design and inspires readers to think of graphic design as a building block for all creative disciplines.

Genres: Design, Architecture, Art

400 pages, Paperback

First published April 16, 2013

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.75 stars) With this book, 2x4's MIchael Rock cements himself as one of the best design writers, thinkers, and makers out there. Much like 2x4's work, his writing is smart, insightful, and intellectually challenging, free of academic pretense. Unfortunately, this type of showboat posturing does come to the fore when Rock cedes the stage to other writers, who do their best to out-overanalyze each other in writing about 2x4's design output. 2x4's work is that rare combination of the intelligent and accessible. While it's fascinating to read of the process that yielded the work (usually written by Rock), these academic interpretations (primarily by architecture scholars) are superfluous and unnecessary. It's as if Rock didn't feel secure enough to let his writing and work stand on its own, and needed these alleged authorities to give it legitimacy.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perspective might be a tired and well trod one - the fortunate, client-rich NYC graphic designer elite - yet this remains a solid collection of very thoughtful essays. A lovely testament to a dying generation in an increasingly zero-history industry.

[Cam Hoff · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are some pearls of wisdom to be found in this book, really good ones. However you have to dig through pages and pages of pretentious, self-important drivel to find them.

[Tommy Shimko · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to feel connected to people living in this time of design who care, lasso yourself to this 1