Netdiver (ISSN 1911-866X)

Things I have Learned in My Life So Far by Stefan Sagmeister

Review:

Things I have Learned in My Life So Far is a compendium of philosophical introspection tidbits by the design community enfant terrible Stefan Sagmeister, now an exhibit and also available as a book and website.

It seems that some of these taglines were used for clients after his return from his sabbatical year back in 2000. Well in my view, if you can convice clients to play along - given how corporations rather go for profits first than values - shows a high level of persuasion.

A list of my favorites:

• Helping other people helps me.
• Having guts always works out for me.
• Being not truthful always works against me.
• Everything I do always comes back to me.
• Assuming is stifling.
• Over time I get used to everything and start taking for granted.
• Money does not make me happy.
• Trying to look good limits my life.
• Worrying solves nothing.
• Complaining is silly. Either act or forget.
• Low expectations are a good strategy.
• Everybody who is honest is interesting.

Probably my top fav book this year.

Jaime Hayon Works by Jaime Hayon

Review:

He is Spanish, a designer and artist, has interned at Fabrica and this first monography of his work is the total deal. I've discovered his work about 3 years ago and was enthused by the sheer elegance and beauty of his pieces.

The book which he has written, takes you to a bird-eye view into his fanstatic imagination and what he perceives as good design. In his case, good is simply exceptional. He has garnered a network of dedicated craftmans from wood turning, pottery and ceramics who fully supported his creative process which yielded some of the most beautiful and sometimes extremely large pieces ever displayed and designed by a single artist.

Not satisfied with turning his doodling into 3D renditions and real-life accessories, he was commissioned to design interiors and shops which all bear the same refinement and simplicity of form and colors.

This book is stuning by its quintessential value and the best investment to stock your design reference bookshelf. So much inspiration was sparked and encouragement to forge ahead.

Black&White Freedrawings edited by Zeptonn

Review:

“When it comes to drawing, collaboration with another artist can be a strange process indeed. It seems that in an intriguing way, something unexpected comes along in the process. Of course you need to be fl exible and open to critique from one another in order to work together. And yes, you need more than just complementary skills. In a sense, you need a complementary personality. Putting aside your ego for the moment, you are leaving your own art in the hands of another artist, allowing the other to interact with it and expand upon it in unexpected ways.

Traditionally, for artists to collaborate in drawing, they would have to be at the same physical location. Each artist would take turns drawing, adding to the work until it was fi nished. Due to the ease and effi ciency of current communications, however, new opportunities arise to work together in similar fashion even when the distance between two artists is vast.”

Over 40 international artists were invited

Furnish edited by R. Klanten, S. Lovell, B. Meyer

Review:

Furniture and Interior Design for the 21st Century

To restore and renew my inspiration — books have always been the main source. Today, to be a well-rounded designer you need to be opened to multi-disciplines contributions to the current state of the industry. As the barrier between art and design narrows, guess we could say that we are indeed in an era where esthetics are an important aspect of modern life from the mundane to the most extravagant.

Furnish is an eloquent, polished and concise overview of the now scene in product and interior design. Each sections is documented with a well researched list of projects. The introductory text which sets the context methodically, is non-verbose, making it an easy and enlightening read. But the best part is the staggering quality of examples that spans the pages.

I was utterly surprised and tickled by the scope of what is going on out there — that I did not know of — and grateful to both fill the void and tap into what the object is or can become. Grateful too, that there is a sizable portion dedicated to experimental, rapid prototyping and questioning why do we need stuff anyway.

How to think like a great graphic designer by Debbie Millman

Review:

This is the book I'm completely fascinated by at the moment. Written by Debbie Millman and based on her interviews for which she really shows great talent for debunking relevent tidbits, you will find insights, that will prove true jewels. Don't be fooled by the title... the content has more depth than just aspiring to be one of those.. or just another name dropping fest.

Here is an excerpt - to size the tone.

I am inspired and stirred and keenly amused and surprised all the while being poked at evaluating my own assertions about how to create great design.