I decided to mix things up a little with this review. Generally I review books with a strong thesis. But on this occasion I will look at a couple of books that are more biographic and reflective. Not being a professional designer I find I can only approach the subject of design from an inspirational viewpoint. I'm intrigued by good design, how it was made and why it works. I'm also often engaged by the careers of successful designers. I feel both books are strong on inspirational and have biographical aspects.
Why review both books together?
There are some interesting overlaps but also intriguing differences.
I would characterise Things I have learned in my life so far as a thin book and Pretty Much Everything as a thick book. That is not to say that Sagmeister’s text is in any way light. It’s more that he has deliberately chosen a concise format. Things I have learned consists of 15 individual pamphlets, each pamphlet containing at least one aphorism. The aphorisms are presented as photo montages of public installations Sagmeister made with collaborators. There is also some text included which describes the creation of the installation and reflects on the aphorisms’ meanings. The scale of some are particularly impressive. Draplin's text on the other hand is more directly autobiographic with extensive examples of his own designs and projects.
Things I learned in my life so far
It’s tricky to discuss Sagmeister’s book in detail as, for me, one of its most enjoyable aspects is paging through the pamphlets and discovering each aphorism and accompanying installation. I will try not to spoil the surprise too much but a good example of the aphorism’s character is the following which was the first one published:
"Everything I do always comes back to me"
The message itself is quite simple, perhaps in a certain sense obvious, but it’s the context of the message that makes it meaningful. There is something very pleasing in skimming through the visual representation of the aphorisms, dwelling on what they mean and then reading Sagmeister’s own comments.
Draplin Design Co: Pretty much everything
Draplin’s book is largely an autobiography that focuses on his career highlights. It also presents a substantial amount of his designs and projects.
Unlike Things I have learned, everything presented here was for the most part created by Draplin himself and the text mainly focuses on how he made a successful career in graphic design.
Hence why I say Pretty much everything is a thick book. I can’t with certainty say it would be useful for professional designers (not being one I can’t judge that). But if you find Draplin’s designs already intriguing this is a great source for more detail.
I also found his account of his career compelling. Draplin seems to have found a great balance between doing something creative and paying the bills. (I wonder if this blog might pay the bills one day…)
Comparison
While there are some autobriogpahic elements to Things I have learned and I do believe there is a certain underlying sensibility connecting the aphorisms and their installations, I find the arresting quality of the visuals, and the aphoristic form of the text, serve to distance the text from the author. They feel like broad statements on life and addressed to anyone.
Draplin's account feels much more personal. This is his story and he wants to share it with us.
Personally I would recommend both books. If you must pick one, think about what you are looking for. If you want a detail insight on how to make a career in graphic design or want to learn more about Draplin’s style, go for Pretty much everything. But if you’re looking for some broader inspiration pick up Things I have learned so far.
But in the end both are great.
