Art of Graphic Design: 30th Anniversary Edition

Bradbury Thompson, a renowned graphic designer of the 20th century, is celebrated for his innovative approach to typography and design. His work includes Mademoiselle, Art News, and Art News Annual, as well as limited-edition books, postage stamps, rationalized alphabets, corporate identification programs, trademarks, and sacred works. He also designed more than sixty issues of Westvaco Inspirations, a magazine that showcased the range and versatility of printing papers. This classic text, first published in 1988 and designed by Thompson himself, is now available in paperback for a new generation of designers and students.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2018
Publisher: Yale University Press

Bradbury Thompson, a revered figure in American design, has been brought to life with the freshness and ingenuity of his approach. Born in 1911 and passing away in 1995, Thompson remains one of the most admired and influential graphic designers of the 20th century. During his tenure as a faculty member at the Yale School of Art for over 30 years, he trained a generation of design students, leaving an indelible mark on the field.

Thompson's career was multifaceted, encompassing roles as the art director of Mademoiselle and the design director of Art News and Art News Annual. In the decades following World War II, he also excelled as a distinguished designer of limited-edition books, postage stamps, rationalized alphabets, corporate identification programs, trademarks, and sacred works, most notably the Washburn College Bible. His contributions extended to more than sixty issues of Westvaco Inspirations, a magazine published by the Westvaco Corporation and distributed to thousands of printers, designers, and teachers to showcase the range and versatility of printing papers.

Thompson's exceptional talent lay in his ability to adapt classic typography for the modern world. His designs were characterized by a blend of elegance, simplicity, and functionality, making him a pioneer in the field. His work has been celebrated by critics and art historians alike, with J. Carter Brown, Alvin Eisenman, and Steven Heller contributing original texts to explore Thompson's methods and design philosophy.

In a newly commissioned afterword by Jessica Helfand, the enduring importance of Thompson's work is emphasized. Bradbury Thompson: The Art of Graphic Design, first published by Yale University Press in 1988 and designed by Thompson himself, has been hailed as a masterpiece that seamlessly blends art and design. The book serves as both a retrospective and a manifesto, surveying Thompson's timeless contributions to American graphic design. It encompasses his experimental work, as well as his contributions to magazines, showcasing his versatility and impact on the field.

Through his legacy, Bradbury Thompson continues to inspire and influence designers worldwide. His innovative approach, combined with his deep understanding of typography and design principles, has left an indelible mark on the history of graphic design. His work serves as a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring significance of classic design in shaping the visual landscape of our times.

Weight: 1442g
Dimension: 248 x 340 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300238570