New Book ‘Blurred Lines’ Illustrates the Ties Between Graphic Design and Art
John Spencer, a graphic designer and the founder of design agency Offthetopofmyhead, has announced details about his latest book.
Blurred Lines is described as being a celebration of the connection between design and art, highlighting the indistinct boundaries that exist between the two worlds.
In her foreword to the book, design writer and editor Lynda Relph-Knight expounds, “John Spencer works in that borderland where design meets art.
“Many people think the sole purpose of graphic design is to solve problems and that art is all about self-expression. John has never subscribed to the idea that design and art are intrinsically different.
“Logos are often regarded as the heroes in branding. But the visual themes and systems supporting them are integral to the mood and messages organisations seek to convey. These supergraphics born of John’s instinct and imagination are as much art as they are design.”
“Art is fundamentally about reflecting human experience and society. Great design resonates with people because it is culturally and emotionally meaningful,” further comments John Spencer.
Adding: “Designers who work in that creative borderland are all about challenging conventions, exploration and risk-taking. They’re loath to churn out stuff that’s unoriginal and forgettable.”
Although Blurred Lines may seem like an art catalogue, each supergraphic featured is reportedly based on a visual theme or system that aims to express the mood and messages of the organisation it represents.
As a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the International Society of Typographic Designers, John has over the years worked with multinational companies, start-ups, government and local authorities, educational and cultural institutions, social enterprises, charities, and professional associations.
Blurred Lines is his fourth book and is published in hardback by Impress; it is available to buy here.
His previous titles, which are from the same publisher, are Time Flies When You’re Having Fun, There’s No Bullsh*t Like Design Bullsh*t and Risk-Taking Trailblazers.
The latest book was designed by John along with Fraser Watson, while print production was carried out by Dave Davies of DLM Creative.
Offthetopofmyhead
www.offthetopofmyhead.co.uk
