Fingerprint: The Art of Using Hand-Made Elements in Graphic Design

by Chen Design Associates, Michael Mabry (Foreword)

Make Your Mark

Design is at a turning point. Our infatuation with—and the backlash against—technology is over. Today's best designers have learned to embrace its advantages and think beyond its limitations by combining the power of the computer with the tactile qualities of handmade elements.

Inside you'll find examples of work that showcase a variety of design methods, including mixed media, illustration, letterpress, screenprinting and collage. You'll find inspiration in examples from outstanding designers and see how traditional elements can make a more powerful statement than anesthetized computer-only work. Fingerprint also includes insightful essays on the power of the handmade by Debbie Millman, Jean Orlebeke, Jim Sherraden, Martin Venezky and Ross Macdonald .

The projects in this book are beautiful, technical, simple, layered and powerful. Each project communicates its intended message with eloquence.

You can be part of this exciting design revolution. Leave your own fingerprint on the world by exploring the fusion of the digital with the hand-wrought.

Genres: Design, Art, Art Design, Nonfiction, Reference

176 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 2006

Reviews

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for design inspiration; and unlike other books in the field, tells you what materials the artist used and more about their process. It's great to see what can be done through creativity and thinking beyond the computer screen.

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything I want to be as a graphic designer. Adding tactility and texture to any work makes it endlessly more interesting and compelling.

[eva · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting more tips, and methods and the like than examples of projects.
It was nice because it showed a range of projects and highlighted elements of it.
Not really what I wanted or was looking for.

[Carolee Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cool volume. Great to see so much creative action in the Bay Area--and some of them are people I know!

[Will Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

meh.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just started but I love this book. Reminds me of my old school design roots before clip-art and computers.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I get excited every time I open the pages of this book. A great visual resource for any artist or graphic designer. I just wish it were longer.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

tasty. candy. for the eye.
sadly I had to return it to the library, for there is a long, long list of holds on it.

[kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

preeeeeeeeeetty

[Rebekah Burder]

I loved this book. It's a great design book for those interested in mixing both handmade products with graphic design. I discovered several great ideas that I'm looking forward to testing.

[Yesica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great inspiration guide!

[Ewa · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring over and over again