Kicking off the EMPRNT launch, we decided to take a second to chat with Chuck Anderson of No Pattern fame. Ready to release his new book Wandering Off Into Space, we learn what other designers and books inspire his work.
What was the first design book you owned?
I’m pretty sure the first design book I owned was one I actually got for free from the stock company Digitalvision. I ordered it online and they just sent it free. It was full of work from people like Mike Cina, Mike Young, Jens Karlsson, Bradley Grosh, Vinh Kah, Nathan Flood...all the ’3d explosion‘ stuff that was super popular around 2000-2001 or so and beyond. That stuff had a huge impact on my work – I just loved the beautiful visuals those guys created. Not long after that I remember buying a book by the artist Phil Hale. This is all when I was in high school, that guy blew my mind. It's called 'GOAD : The Many Moods of Phil Hale.'
Do you see books as a way to get inspired, or do you just like the tangible feeling you get from a book. For example, the glossy paper, cool cover, or ink smell.
I honestly do love the tangible feeling, but that's not what draws me to art and design books. It’s more about getting my fill of inspiration and soaking in the amazing talent that other artists around the world possess. I just love to get lost in art books. Page after page of people's ideas and imaginations right there in front of me is too much of a good thing to miss as an artist.
What’s the last design book you purchased?
Supersonic : Visuals for Music - awesome book. Filled with some of the best and most innovative music/album packaging and artwork from around the world.
What’s your favorite book not related to design?
Honestly – I’m not much of a reader, so I don’t have a very cool or intellectual answer...I’d have to say the Larry David ’Curb Your Enthusiasm‘ book, my ’Dog Encyclopedia‘, ha, or the Perry Bible Fellowship comics book. So funny, pbfcomics.com.
How often to you go to the bookstore, either online or in person.
I love bookstores. I go at least once a week, usually more...to just pick up a stack of magazines or some art/photography books and just relax with them. It’s truly one of the few 'pasttimes' that I have that I seem to revisit over and over and always love to do.
Would you like to see a book from any designer in particular?
A big, comprehensive KAWS book needs to be made. I’d love a book from him that shows privately commissioned work, old work, photos of his studio, behind the scenes stuff, etc. I’d love a book from Mario Hugo of loveworn.com – he’s brilliant and an amazing talent. John Dyer Baizley needs to do a book. He’s in the band Baroness and has done art for bands like Torche, Pig Destroyer, Kyleza, and others. He’s ridiculous. And while I’m thinking he needs to do a book, so does Pushead.
Chuck Anderson’s Top 10 Favorite Design Books
Further Reading
Comments
2 Comments
Stendyendyreva says:
November 22, 2009
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Dennis Eusebio says:
January 01, 2009
Be sure to check out his new book that’s out.