Beware Wet Paint

by Alan Fletcher, David Gibbs, Jeremy Myerson

A founder of the leading design firm Pentagram, Alan Fletcher is considered by many in the graphic design world to be a contemporary master, known for his sharp and unerring sense of style. From the initial brief to the often award-winning outcome, here are over 100 of Fletcher's design solutions. Grouped into thematic chapters for instructive reference, the projects demonstrate Fletcher's lithe and lateral jumps, his skills and techniques and his ability to fuse interpretation, aesthetics and function with apparent ease. The commentary shows how each individual graphic idea was developed, giving insights both into the particular project and into the way in which the design process can be manipulated. Designed by Fletcher himself,  Beware Wet Paint  offers a vibrant description of an artist at work.

Genres: Design, Art, Nonfiction

266 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Alan Fletcher was one of the most influential and best loved graphic designers of his time. In 1959, after success in America, he settled in London. He co-founded Fletcher, Forbes, Gill in 1962, which became renowned for sophisticated graphic design and enduring wit. Their branding for Reuters was used for over 30 years. In 1971, Fletcher co-founded Pentagram, then in 1991 set up his own company. He was Designer of the Year in 1993 and became Consultant Art Director at Phaidon. He wrote a number of books including 'The Art of Looking Sideways' (2001). In 2006, a major retrospective of his work was held at London's Design Museum, where his graphic archive is now held.

Reviews

[Bob Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful and is great for cracking one open to the creativity within.

[Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

- a 30 Year retrospective of my favourite graphic designer - Alan Fletcher
- to design some one thing that is creative and unique, memorable, entertaining, and informative is remarkable
- to do so again and again, over an incredible 30 year career, is genius
- doodles, corporate commissions, volunteer work, designs for friends, paintings, posters, coffee cup designs, advertising campaigns, magazine illustrations, greeting cards, product designs, toys, etc, etc,
- he was on retainer as Design Consultant for Time Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Life Magazine, and the list goes on and on
- a real pleasure to read but "like a bottle of wine, you want to sip it gradually, enjoying the experience for as long a time as is possible."

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Fletcher, his 35 years in a book. It is an ingenious collection of design solutions, their design process and methods behind them.