Make It Bigger by Paula Scher

by Paula Scher

An outspoken voice in the world of graphic design for more than twenty years, Paula Scher has developed a worldwide reputation for her bold, modern graphics and her incisive, sometimes stinging, critiques of the design profession.In Make in Bigger, Scher candidly reveals her thoughts on design practice, drawing on her own experiences as one of the leading designers in the United States, and possibly the most famous female graphic designer in the world. Pointed and funny, it is an instructive guide for all those who navigate the difficult path between clients, employees, corporate structures, artists, and design professionals.

Make it Bigger provides a survey of Scher's groundbreaking work, from her designs as art director at Columbia Records, to her identity for New York's Public Theater, to her recent work for the New York Times, Herman Miller, and the American Museum of Natural History's Rose Center planetarium.

Author Paula Scher is a partner in the design firm Pentagram and a member of the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame. She has won countless awards for her work, including the Chrysler Design Award and an AIGA Medal for distinguished service to the profession. Her album cover designs have earned her 4 Grammy award nominations. She lives in New York City.

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

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting just a monograph (lots of pictures of design projects) and was surprised but happy to find a great deal of very blunt writing about the ups and downs of working for difficult clients and in power-struggle-ridden corporate hierarchies. Good read so far, and very surprising design work.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring collection of anecdotes and artwork from the career of an innovative designer. As design student, you don't often get to learn about famous female designers. This was such a treat! I am so glad that I took the time to get to know Scher's work. This book was a joy to read and will serve as a reminder to reinvigorate and reinvent my own designs as I enter the workforce.

[Iancu · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books to read if you're new in the field or just want to learn how a designer's career feels like.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, you don't have to be a graphic designer to read this--anyone can read it and get inspired and create something meaningful.

As a self-proclaimed and self-taught graphic designer, it embarrasses me that I haven't heard her name until about 4 or 5 years ago (totally my fault). This book is essentially a wet dream for every aspiring designer. Paula, armed with 3-decade long experience, shares her experience & advice as a working professional--from Office politics 101, How businesses work, how to hustle, how the process works, how design philosophy works, how she struggles as a woman in a male-dominated industry and other essays.

The author Paula Scher started as a low-level junior designer in a records company until she made her way up as a partner in Pentagram, the most prestigious and renowned agency, perhaps one of the best in the world. Her style of writing is personal & professional at the same time.

The images & illustration can also be a source of inspiration. It's hard to not get inspired while reading it. Her works vary from typography to packaging to environmental design. To reiterate, I wish I'd read this book sooner. Definitely a worthwhile read.

[R.Friend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific overview of work from one of the most influential and respected designers in the business. My only complaint? It wasn't big enough. ;) Scher's wonderful work easily could have warranted a larger volume.

[Katie]

i honestly think that paula scher (maybe along with tibor kalman for colors) is the first designer i was ever enamored with. when her public theater and stomp posters went up in the 90s, that might have been a seminal moment.

[Meiqimichelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it loved it loved it (and, naturally, while reading did actually have a client as me to 'make it bigger'). Great insight into what it is like to work in the design field, and in particular how to manage office politics. Full of quotes and kindness.

[N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book which lets you take a peak at Paula Scher's thinking and activity throughout the years. Has lots of examples of her work as well as practical advice on how to deal with the politics of being a graphic designer. Absolutely love it!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's nice to know that the most successful female gd-er the us has yet to produce hate her job at the begining...

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me quit my corporate job because it was impossible to get through the layers. Ironically, I checked the book out from that same corporation’s library. Awesome.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paula Scher is the most influential woman designer on earth. This book shows why. It's a designer's monograph with real content and purpose.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening look at design. Records to posters to environmental.

[Keight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Link to booklog

[Wendi]

My favorite designer!

[Taylor Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some good career advice contained herein, but I got a bit bored with it.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paula Scher uses cheeky and illustrative examples that simultaneously teach the reader more about the field of graphic design by making and breaking the rules. Half Memoir, Half Art Gallery, wholly snarky.