Hand Job: A Catalog of Type

Hand Job: A Catalog of Type

In this digital age of computer-generated graphics and typography, it's refreshing to find typographers who still believe in working by hand. No longer relegated to designer's sketchbooks, hand-drawn type has emerged from the underground as a dynamic vehicle for visual communicationfrom magazine, book, and album covers to movie credits and NFL advertisements. As the practice and appreciation of hand-drawn type grows, its time to celebrate the work of those typographers whose every letterform is a work of art. Hand Job collects groundbreaking work from fifty of today's most talented typographers who draw by hand. Graphic designer and hand typographer Michael Perry selects work representing the full spectrum of design methods and styles. Each hand-drawn work is entirely shaped by the artist's unique processevery one a carefully executed composition enhanced by unplanned "accidents" of line, color, and craft. Hand Job also includes photographs of found type,artists studios, and the tools that help make typography come to life. Whether you are looking to invigorate your design work or are just in need of a little offbeat inspiration, Hand Job will have you reaching for your favorite pen. ...Of the 55 practitioners of hand-drawn typography represented here -- each given between two and six pages to show his or her stuff -- none creates work that is remotely ordinary. -- Metropolis, September 2007 ...chock-full of inspiration for designers an eye candy for those who just dress like them... Hand Job is about the next generation of superstars, from frighteningly talented students to rising taste makers Deanne Cheuk and Kevin Lyons. It's hours of fun. -- Time Out Chicago, December 3, 2007 ...it's uplifting to experience a graphic design book that focuses on hand-drawn typography...vibrant and alive...hip without being pretentious--a true look at an underappreciated art form. This is the perfect book for anyone who appreciated graphic design and values sincere uniqueness. -- BrandChannel.com, October 2007 A technique which transforms every shape of letter into an art, which celebrates every curve, every height and every upstroke. Sublime and reassuring at the golden age in the computing. -- Rosebuzz, Winter 2008 If, like many of us, you're tired of seeing one computer-generated graphic after another, Hand Job might provide a refreshing change. The book is a collection of hand-drawn type from 55 of today's most-talented hand typographers. -- Step Inside Design, November 2007 "Cheeky, youthful exuberance..." --Library Journal, Mark Woodhouse, November 1, 2007 "For designers and artists out there who prefer quirky hand drawn letters over rigid digital styles, this one's for you....This hefty book contains plenty of inspiration and eye-candy to soak in here from well known names and newcomers alike." --Turntable Lab "This is a compendium of illustrators and designers kickin it old school. What I really enjoy about hand done design is that it feels personal; it feels unique. Most importantly, it feels fresh. This book features 55 designers and illustrators and none of them are duds. I usually feel dissapointed by books that feature multiple artists/designers/illustrators/etc because it always seem to be the case that half the book is just filler. Hand Job, while never deviating from its core message, somehow managed to assemble a wide range of great talent. And it doesn't hurt that the book is just plain well designed. Overall: 5 out of 5. I am extremely pleased with my purchase. Perhaps my favorite book that Ive bought this year. --Ocular Invasion "The handmade lettering, an inspiration to any artist, is a refreshing change from the computer-generated fonts of the day. Examples of work by each typographer fill 2 to 6 pages, from a variety of sources. Plus, who can resist the title?" --Mocoloco "Hand Job collects groundbreaking work from fifty of today's most talented typographers who draw by hand. Graphic designer and hand typographer Michael Perry has selected work that represents the full spectrum of design methods and styles. Whether you are looking to invigorate your design work or are just in need of a little offbeat inspiration, Hand Job will have you reaching for your favourite pen." --Brunswick Street Bookstore "This book is a must for contemporary illustrators and designers." --Domy bookstore blog "Hand Job: A Catalog of Type by Mike Perry is one of those books that I can open to any page and instantly think, I wish I was awesome. I love hand drawn type and this book is my favorite source of inspiration when the opportunity to draw some type arises. Mike has included a great collection of artists and designers with a variety of styles. It's also a conversation starter when your friends stop by and see a book called Hand Job on your bookshelf. " -- Jeff Rogers --SPD "I really really really love this book. I remember back in the early 90's (totally dating myself here) the graphic des