New Ornamental Type: Decorative Lettering in the Digital Age

Thames & Hudson, New York, 2010, English

Nonfiction, Graphic Design

10.2 x 10.2 inches, hardcover, 192 pages, 360 illustrations, 272 in color

ISBN: 9780500515020

From the Publisher. Expressive lettering and illustrated words: here is a kaleidoscope of highly animated text and type from a broad spectrum of styles and effects. Psychedelia, Hip-Hop, Gothic, flowers, smoke, hair, electricity, and monuments are just a few of the creative allusions for the dramatic and intricate examples inspired by nature, history, and just about anything that is visually provocative.

Beginning with an historical overview of ornamental type and how it has evolved through the major creative periods from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present, the book includes hundreds of contemporary examples from around the world, organized into three sections: History Lesson, Au Naturel, and Eclectic. Each includes a brief essay introducing the background, influences, and outstanding aspects of the graphic work so beautifully displayed.

New Ornamental Type is an essential reference for practitioners and students, and for anyone who appreciates the sheer delight of type as illustration. Steve Heller is the co-chair of the MFA Designer as Author Department at the School of Visual Arts in New York and the author of numerous books. Gail Anderson is the creative director of design at SpotCo, New York, a former art director of Rolling Stone magazine, and an American Institute of Graphic Arts medalist.

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