BORROWED DESIGN: Use and Abuse of Historical Form

by Steven Heller (Illustrator), Julie Lasky

This book addresses the issues of inspiration, influence and plagiarism in today's graphic design practice. Discussing concepts such as nostalgia, cliche, parody, and revival, the authors help designers determine whether they are "borrowing" or "stealing" and ultimately aid them in establishing a legitimate and meaningful relationship with the past. Case studies with accompanying illustrations highlight both good and bad examples of borrowed design. This book should be of interest to graphic designers.

Genres: Design

160 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1992

About the author

Steven Heller writes a monthly column on graphic design books for The New York Times Book Review and is co-chair of MFA Design at the School of Visual Arts. He has written more than 100 books on graphic design, illustration and political art, including Paul Rand, Merz to Emigre and Beyond: Avant Garde Magazine Design of the Twentieth Century, Design Literacy: Understanding Graphic Design Second Edition, Handwritten: Expressive Lettering in the Digital Age, Graphic Design History, Citizen Designer, Seymour Chwast: The Left Handed Designer, The Push Pin Graphic: Twenty Five Years of Design and Illustration, Stylepedia: A Guide to Graphic Design Mannerisms, Quirks, and Conceits, The Anatomy of Design: Uncovering the Influences and Inspirations in Modern Graphic Design. He edits VOICE: The AIGA Online Journal of Graphic Design, and writes for Baseline, Design Observer, Eye, Grafik, I.D., Metropolis, Print, and Step. Steven is the recipient of the Art Directors Club Special Educators Award, the AIGA Medal for Lifetime Achievement, and the School of Visual Arts' Masters Series Award.