Hand Job: A Catalog of Type

by Mike Perry

In this digital age of computer-generated graphics and typography, it's refreshing to find typographers who still believe in working by hand. No longer relegated to designer's sketchbooks, hand-drawn type has emerged from the underground as a dynamic vehicle for visual communicationfrom magazine, book, and album covers to movie credits and NFL advertisements. As the practice and appreciation of hand-drawn type grows, its time to celebrate the work of those typographers whose every letterform is a work of art.Hand Job collects groundbreaking work from fifty of today's most talented typographers who draw by hand. Graphic designer and hand typographer Michael Perry selects work representing the full spectrum of design methods and styles. Each hand-drawn work is entirely shaped by the artist's unique processevery one a carefully executed composition enhanced by unplanned "accidents" of line, color, and craft. Hand Job also includes photographs of found type,artists studios, and the tools that help make typography come to life. Whether you are looking to invigorate your design work or are just in need of a little offbeat inspiration, Hand Job will have you reaching for your favorite pen.

Genres: Design, Art, Nonfiction, Art Design, Creative, Reference, Crafts

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2007

Reviews

[Mike]

As someone who A) regularly photographs hand-painted signs for inspiration, B) used to doodle illustrated alphabets on the margins of my papers in school, and C) makes a living working with type, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. Even if you don't have a professional interest, it may interest you to see that some of those kids in high school who used draw amazing band logos on their brown paper book covers actually to go to make a living doing the same thing when they grow up.

[Caitlin]

Great reference for inspiration. Keeping it in my studio. would have been very strong if it showed process and development of typefaces instead of application alone.

[Kamala]

OMG. I just bought this and read the whole thing in a day. And by "read" I mean: scoured every page, studied every detail, showed my friends, and then looked at it again before bed.

There's a great preface that astutely glorifies hand-made type for all of its warm and fuzzy flaws, and likens the modern liberation of type to that of painting after the photograph emerged.

Every artist I know needs to read this book, Natalie.

[Kitty G Books]

Another 5* typography based book which is really well put together and beautifully vibrant and exciting. The styles within vary vastly from wide lettering in bold to thin italic styles and completely abstract fonts. The book is divided alphabetically by illustrated letters and the artists work is showcased across a few pages with beautiful quality prints of the work.
I would very much recommend this book!

[Janice Wong]

hand lettering is my pony and this is my bible!

[Dreia]

Awesome.

[Heidi]

Hate the title. Lots of inspiration for hand-lettering projects, though.

[Tim Lapetino]

This book is a great collection of hand lettering, custom typography and other sundry bits designed by hand. Less of a straight read-through (though that's what I did), and more of a great resource when you're looking for inspiration or to break out of a typographic rut.

Perry does an amazing job of curating really interesting hand-work, and even though the book is now 10 years old, it doesn't really feel tired or like yesterday's trends. Well worth picking up. It's well-curated and the book design perfectly captures the subject matter and the modern-day craftspeople within it.

Recommended!

[Kate]

Jim the Illustrator - http://www.jimtheillustrator.co.uk/
J. Zachary Keenan - http://jzkeenan.com/
Stefan Marx - http://www.s-marx.de/
A.J. Purdy - http://alexanderpurdy.com/
Andy Rementer - http://andyrementer.com/

[Bessie]

One of the best, most clear set of reasons and reflections I’ve ever read. Everything he writes is brilliant.

[Keshia Eugene]

Love this as a reference book. Being photographer and sometimes GD this is a great spark of inspiration and an opportunity to see great work. I’ve had sticky notes on pages for years.

[Christine]

A great reference piece for inspiration but found a lot of what was shown wasn't a large range of hand lettering. Lots of what was shown was funny, whimsy and some just plain crazy but I was hoping to see some scripts, calligraphy and sophisticated selections. I'm a doodler myself so I tagged a bunch of pages to come back to which is why I borrowed the book from the library so I'm happy, just not impressed. I agree with other reviews that process would have been really awesome to see!

[Meg]

it's true; i do like this book because the title is "hand job" but then i see here that people who reviewed this book, also reviewed another title i am ashamed to love "he's just not that into you"

that's kismet, motherfuckers.

[Matthew]

This book documents recent work by 50+ designers who specialize in hand-drawn lettering. From the absurd and comical to the outright inventive and ingenious--this book is a top-notch showcase of inspiring material. I LOVE IT!!! Bonuses include pics of the various artists and their studios.

[Marbel]

Fantastic resource of inspiration for freehand font use. No structural restriction and very creative. Could use a brief section of design theory and font history. Otherwise its one of the more creative sources I have seen.

[Kate Green]

Lots of illustrative and interesting ways to use hand-drawn type. Not much advice on how to DIY type, but filled to bursting with examples of how different artists have approached it. Quite edgy and contemporary examples.

[James]

catalog of type. weee & such.

[Jen]

It was love at first sight. This book is an encyclopaedia filled with typographic delight and hand drawn galore.

This is a must-have book for typography, art, and illustration lovers alike!

[Rrrrrrruuuuuddddyyyy]

All things related to bull riding : Buckwild :: All things related to crude hand-drawn fonts : Hand Job

[Angela]

Amazing

[strawberryluna]

Frickin' AWESOME.

[James Moes]

Would like to purchase this great catalog of hand-rendered type. Very inspiring.

[Zinna Riley]

SO GOOD!

[Ellery]

if you love hand drawn fonts, which i do, get this book. it is awesome. i have already used many of the fonts in art or on envelopes i have addressed.

[Chantal]

My favourite art book

[Sam]

I'm so glad I bought this book, its one of the best resources I have...not to mention the most beautiful!

[Zinzi Graham]

Full of inspiration for anyone interested in hand drawn type.

[Jeff Peppers]

suggested by another student back in school- an excellent reminder that digital work isnt always appropriate and that its nice to loosen up sometimes

[Kim Smith]

One of favourites from way back a levels. Got a chance to revisit it recently and it's bloody marvellous. :)