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The Impossibility of Silence: Writing for Designers, Artists & Photographers
How to write on your art: a guidebook for artists, designers and photographers.
Despite the seemingly common expectation that art should be able to speak for itself, creators are often asked to explain the process behind their work, their experiences in their vocation, and, perhaps most dauntingly, the meaning conveyed by any particular piece. Drawing upon his own unique career trajectory across multiple fields as a writer, designer and teacher, Tokyo-based artist Ian Lynam offers readers a variety of approaches to writing about creative fields.
Called “the Hunter S. Thompson of design writing,” Lynam uses his industry knowledge and sharp sense of humor to convey his philosophy on writing specifically in a professional creative setting. This volume is not so much a straightforward how-to guide on how to write an artist’s statement as it is an honest meditation on how difficult―and how important―it is for creators to have the facilities to articulate the ethos behind their own work. Lynam encourages readers to think of the blank page as another sort of canvas, a space of potential, a landscape on which an artist may explore themselves and their work farther than they thought possible. Lynam provides both inspirational text as a jumping-off point for readers as well as concrete techniques in terms of craft.
Despite the seemingly common expectation that art should be able to speak for itself, creators are often asked to explain the process behind their work, their experiences in their vocation, and, perhaps most dauntingly, the meaning conveyed by any particular piece. Drawing upon his own unique career trajectory across multiple fields as a writer, designer and teacher, Tokyo-based artist Ian Lynam offers readers a variety of approaches to writing about creative fields.
Called “the Hunter S. Thompson of design writing,” Lynam uses his industry knowledge and sharp sense of humor to convey his philosophy on writing specifically in a professional creative setting. This volume is not so much a straightforward how-to guide on how to write an artist’s statement as it is an honest meditation on how difficult―and how important―it is for creators to have the facilities to articulate the ethos behind their own work. Lynam encourages readers to think of the blank page as another sort of canvas, a space of potential, a landscape on which an artist may explore themselves and their work farther than they thought possible. Lynam provides both inspirational text as a jumping-off point for readers as well as concrete techniques in terms of craft.
212 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2021
8 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 1, 2022
This book balances between some great, insider advice that comes from a seasoned writer, to lots of peppered personal anecdotes that distract from the key points.
At times Lynam draws from his broad diverse interests, which are often so obscure that it can feel like his using them to prop himself up in a way.
The language goes from being basic and often crass, to using words that most people would have to look up.
This is no doubt part of his personality and while it’s at times refreshing to see that honesty in a book, the yo-yoing between the two with a constant barrage of pointless anecdotes, makes it a frustrating read at times.
Criticism aside. There are some really good points in this book for people who work in areas who probably don’t write as often as they should. As well as inspiration to help to get them to do so.
At times Lynam draws from his broad diverse interests, which are often so obscure that it can feel like his using them to prop himself up in a way.
The language goes from being basic and often crass, to using words that most people would have to look up.
This is no doubt part of his personality and while it’s at times refreshing to see that honesty in a book, the yo-yoing between the two with a constant barrage of pointless anecdotes, makes it a frustrating read at times.
Criticism aside. There are some really good points in this book for people who work in areas who probably don’t write as often as they should. As well as inspiration to help to get them to do so.
February 4, 2024
In the dedication section, the author states his intention - to write a more theory based book disguised in chunks of memoir. However, the experience is the opposite - given the title, I expected a more theory based book but the anecdotes get in the way. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the asides (asides, according to the author, are a deviation from the narrative that is meant to bring the reader closer to you) but they were more of a distraction most of the time.
Having said that, I did enjoy the book and it does what it sets out to do - spur you into writing something, starting with this book review.
Having said that, I did enjoy the book and it does what it sets out to do - spur you into writing something, starting with this book review.
September 15, 2024
it’s a book more about why you should write and what writing means to the aothor than a book about how to write. sometimes it is kind of philosophical, sometimes personal and a few times helpful and instructive. even if i would have liked it to be more about the process of writing, the methods, i still liked it – which probably speaks for the writer and his chummy approach (i will probably have to look for his other essays and books). and, it foremost encourages you to write, which is probably the best thing a book can achieve.
January 8, 2025
If you like to read books about creativity, I think even if you are not a designer, you will like this one. Ian Lynam writes with a conversational tone that makes it a super fast and highly enjoyable read. One of my favorites. I packed it full of post-its marking quotes, to the point that they're almost useless because there are so many. Yes. It's that kind of book.
September 8, 2021
Ian has a way of writing that informs as much as it entertains. Makes reading something academic enjoyable again. A huge "READ THIS" if you're a designer who is considering their place in the world and how writing can strengthen their practice.
October 8, 2025
A “pick me up” kind of book that lifts the spirits with personal anecdotes and simple assurances that we are all writers, even in this day and age of AI, because writing is a way into ourselves as much as to connecting with others.
August 9, 2021
The best book I've read so far this year.
September 26, 2021
Muchas herramientas para empezar a escribir sobre diseño
March 2, 2023
Could not put it down! Really great blend of practicality and memorable storytelling as metaphor.
June 24, 2024
more like 2.5 - this is like reading what that one indie guy in your film class said when he raised his hand and went on a tangent. Some good points, but not reinventing the wheel
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews