Group Thinkery
Over the past several years with the advent or advancement of social networking many of us in the chosen field of book jacket design (or book design is you prefer) have found one another. Five years ago this would not have been possible. Ten years ago it may not have been desirable. But today, even design icons are but a click away. Through tweeting and Facebook, designers who share the love the sport keep tabs professionally (new clients, interesting posts, awards) and personally (today’s lunch menu, videos of work space, and family). What has now been created is a global community where one would have only existed on a local level before, i.e., New York. (I reckon this phenomenon has been replicated in many fields under the same circumstances. ) It’s not typical that one finds camaraderie with one’s competitors. Even more, finding a level of comfort with an employer may be even more unusual. But, such is the case with those in publishing—book design to be more specific. It is striking that those who compete for assignments and clients can enjoy a professional admiration for one another. It would not be a stretch to call many friends.
Such is the impetus for this site. The 140-word tidbits of info that have benefited me personally through Twitter were not enough. Perhaps it is selfish, but I value the feedback, encouragement, thought, and humor of the design and publishing community. For those of us who work alone, the connection to a larger group is invaluable.
This site is intended to mostly topical. For instance, the original article which was posted on my personal blog was on Talent. Future discussions will center on client relations, work process, education, etc. I want this to be a group project. In addition to your discussions (which are open to all, in or outside of book design) please feel free to suggest new topics of discussion. Just email me: chris[at]groupthinkery.com I hope this site is a benefit to all.
Image from Flickr.
13 Responses
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Looking forward to this Chris. This little brainchild came together quickly, eh?
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Well, quickly is relative. Within the last couple of weeks, yes. It has meant too many late nights, though.
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For the record, you should do a blog book of this site once you have say 100+ topics posted.
8 years ago I was stuck in a little studio in the back of a publishing house with no windows. I rarely left the office. I worked 14 hour days and produced an amazing portfolio of beautifully printed books and packaging. I talked to no one except myself and the guy behind me. I quickly became a piece of furniture that was barely noticed but expected to function. 8 years later not much has changed. Our studio closed in California and I work from a basement office, with no windows, 10-12 hours a day. Owning my own business was an attempt at saving what little sense of self I had left. I partnered up with the 3 most trust worthy guys I knew and we formed theBookDesigners—a full service book design studio that offered design, production, packaging and printing services. 2 years ago I stumbled upon covers.fwis.com and felt that I found some sort of a gold mine. Since then I have been doing what I felt I should have done years ago: Talked to other book designers. It has opened a huge door for me and unlocked certain aspects of myself and my work that would have never flourished without the discussions I have had and the work and words i have been exposed to. I think it’s an invaluable asset to be able to talk to designers and see their work and explanations. Not only does it stimulate better design from me, but makes me think in different ways about my work and make better choices when designing. On top of that it does forge friendships and encouragement, which many of us lesser known designers deserve, but it also has and can opens doors for possible work relationships.
Recently Archie Furguson from Harper has been giving me a number of covers. The relationship started from some simple and random discussion we had on FaceBook. Go figure… Archie Friggin Furguson. A legend I would never dream of working with or getting in contact with via phone or any other traditional medium. Believe me, I have tried to no avail…
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I am in the same boat as you, Ian. An island unto myself until I starting getting in touch with other designers. Credit must be given to Facebook and Twitter. As much as they are maligned by many, for me they have proven invaluable. In no way would I have been given the opportunity to work for such fantastic clients all over the country. Design:Related has been a good thing too.
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What a great idea, Chris.
I think I was a closet book designer for many years: I published comics and graphic novels in the 1990s, and never found more joy than working with the cartoonists and putting together the books for press. I worked in magazines for a few years, and always enjoyed the covers the most.
I tried running a design studio concentrating mostly on books, and I found myself taking most of my time running the studio, or doing production work. Finally this year, I decided to shutter the studio and concentrate on book design full time. My goal is 100 covers in 2010!
I’ve met some really amazing people via twitter and learning so much every day. Thanks for putting this site together!
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Michel, you comments on running a studio are good ones to keep in front of me. I think this topic would be a good one for the future, about the advantages/disadvantage to working alone vs. working in a studio.
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Though I am sure we would all be inspired by Disney World, I think it would be awesome to meet up where Disney started, right here in KC.
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good idea,
I suggest the middle of the U.S.
Somewhere like the Rocky Mountain National Park which happens to be about a 40 minute drive for me.
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I’ve been thinking along similar lines: how valuable it is for me in my practice to be in touch with so many, many other designers across different countries. The old line up here in Canada was that there were only a half-dozen book designers, but then I started connecting with more and more and more through online communities.
I look forward to reading and participating here. Good on ya for opening up this forum.