The latest logo design book from TASCHEN, entitled LOGO Design, Vol. 2, just arrived at my office on Tuesday. I like the size of the book (kinda like a handbook) and it feels good in my hands when browsing through it. The cover is really hefty for a softcover and the pages are thick as well. There is a neat little elastic band (similar to what you would find on a Moleskine) that holds the book closed. LOGO Design, Vol. 2 is well put together and organized in a logical way, though a bit more whitespace surrounding the individual logos would have been nice. The publisher didn't cut corners in the production of this book, its materials are top-notch.
"Brands that communicate an idea, a purpose, and a clear promise together with technical and rational aspects almost always have something in common with the values and attitudes people have" - Uli Mayer-Johanssen
Case Studies
There are 13 case studies in the book from various design firms, both in-house and outside agencies. While it is nice to read about the thoughts of the designers in regards to the design process, the meaning of elements and so on, I wish there was more shown from the earlier stages of the projects. I often find seeing sketches and notes from those early stages to be insightful and motivating. Nonetheless, the case studies are still thoughtful and worthwhile. I found the interview with Stefan Sagmeister on the custom logo generator for Casa Da Música to be rather interesting.
Logo Collection
The logo section is categorized into 9 different categories with around 2000 logos. The categories are:
* Creative Industry
* Events & Entertainment
* Fashion & Apparel
* Institutions, Government & Regional
* Media
* Music
* Retailers & Food Outlets
* Service & Business
* Miscellaneous
In this section you'll see logos from many firms you know as well as many you don't (Pentagram, Stereo, ImagenAB, Landor & Associates, Logoholik, FutureFarmers, Push, Hula+Hula and many more). The work is a truly an international look at logos and identity. Here are few photos from the various categories.
If you're a designer that works on logos occasionally or quite regularly, this book would be a nice addition to your library.
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