As textile designer and illustrator Lena Corwin points out in the introduction to her new book, Maps: Illustrated Cities, the process of map making involves a “mix of accuracy and fantasy.” For me, the fantasy element is key to the design appeal of Corwin’s maps, whereby she filters her portrayal of each city’s topography through her distinct aesthetic.
Maps features 20 maps of cities in the United States and 20 maps of select cities from around the world that represent over seven years of illustrating cities in a style that takes its cue from vintage books. Providing another perspective on each urban subject, the book also features interviews with shop owners who give their own impressions of their local city. Topographical perfection is irrelevant, these are the maps I want to use to get around. You can grab your own copy of Maps through Other Books.
Photographs by Lena Corwin for ~>O<~.
Danica
Allow me to set the scene for you: in the middle part of 2010 Jillian Tamaki, a Brooklyn-based illustrator and comics artist, took to needle and thread. The result was her Monster Quilt – not a monster due to its size but because of the sweetly garish characters interwoven into its fabric. The fact that this was her first attempt at producing an embroidered work speaks volumes about her inherent talent for the quaintly old-fashioned medium. Cut to 2010 and Tamaki her returned with a new embroidery project: Penguin Threads Deluxe Classics.
The fact that this project came to fruition is pretty incredible as, after completing her Monster Quilt, Tamaki decided not to take any future commissions in embroidery. That is, unless it was from Penguin Books. The three covers that she has completed as part of this project are intricately detailed and wonderfully encapsulate the mood and narrative of each book. To my mind, there is no better way to commemorate the enduring power of these tales than through a handicraft that gestures towards the past and that celebrates tactility. Furthermore, Tamaki has updated the medium for contemporary audiences and infused each design with her unique artistic sensibility. If this doesn’t make people want to pick up a book, I don’t know what will.
Danica
If I had kids I’d probably read them really weird books. Not like, scary stuff, but things about architecture and art, less Curious George and the such. Another good example that’s not necessarily for kids but is still awesome is The Robot Book by Thomas Jackson. While Thomas describes the book as “a narrative series of photographs depicting a robot living a sort of post-apocolyptic nightmare in the woods of upstate New York” I think he’s done an amazing job of creating this huge battle in a beautiful, DIY way. The book itself comes in a limited edition of 11, each one being made of “sheet metal, old wood salvaged from a fallen-down chicken coop and a few electronic components.”
If you’re in the New York area you can stop by Central Booking in DUMBO to see his photos and books up close and personal. Also be sure to watch his video walkthrough of the book, it’s pretty dang nice looking.
Bobby
To commemorate five years of inspirational design, the ladies behind Danish design agency Femmes Regionales have put together a small book that collates past work, introduces new pieces and is overflowing with the feminine graphic detail that is the trademark of the agency’s style. Established in 2005 by designers Mie Albæk Nielsen and Caroline Hansen, the work of Femmes Regionales filters into (among other things) graphic designer and illustration, interior and retail design, styling and show productions. What is contained within the pages of their first book is an insight into their aesthetic that displays a considered focus on tones of pink, floral patterns, bold text and features a melange of illustration and photography.
Although it may not appeal to those that prefer a more masculine style, for fans of design of the feminine persuasion, which is simultaneously pretty, clever and cheeky, you will love this book and be motivated to check out more of their work. I certainly recommend that you do.
You can take a peek at the book here.
Danica
I rarely have a need to shop for children. However, I did stumble upon a really great find this past weekend that I would have loved to have been able to gift this to a 4 year old kid: Little Aaron’s Me and My Friends, from Pictoplasma. It’s quirky cover caught me, as I was staring at some photography books: a sassy looking 1970s child in front of a car with a…large, animated 1950s greaser monster? I was taken aback, trying to figure out if this was some silly fake kids book for adults or a silly real kids book for kids. Regardless, I grabbed it and was captured by the work of “Little Aaron” (designer and animator Aaron Stewart).
A picture driven kids book, manufactured to be both “spit and spill” proof, the book features photos of Aaron Stewart as a child around town in 1970s Wichita, Kansas (where he grew up). The photos are fairly common, featuring images of a child by a lake, a child playing on a rocking horse, or a child reading to himself on the ground. From here, Stewart infuses fantastic friends, animated from his imagination now, into the photos. The result is the creation of childhood friends “you have always dreamed of.”
The book would be an awesome gift for a kid. But, because Stewart’s work is so fantastic and full of imagination, it’d probably make a pretty cool gift for an adult, too.
Kyle
When people suggest city guides for a place you’ve never visited I’m usually pretty skeptical. People are so different from each other so it’s impossible to please everyone, but I think Graphic USA: An Alternative Guide to 25 U.S. Cities does a pretty good job. Put together by editor Ziggy Hanaor, Graphic USA asks residents of 25 of the biggest cities in America to give their picks for the best places to eat, hang out, shop and see museums, amongst other things.
I can’t really speak for other cities, but I can hands down approve the section on Los Angeles. When Ziggy wrote me and asked if I’d be interested in checking out the book I had my doubts. Could a city guide really know all the cool, little spots that a person who lives in a place long enough find? Funny enough, I think this guide actually nails it. I can’t speak for other cities, but I think Tal Rosner, author of the Los Angeles section, totally nailed it. He eats where I eat, he drinks where I drink, and shops where I shop. I was honestly shocked that he was so spot on, and though not everything is perfect, I was completely surprised.
I should also mention that the design and art in the book is amazing. Each section uses a different artist to represet the city, either with design or illustration or photography. Los Angeles is a blur of Lomo photos, Milwaukee features some amazing design by Andy Brawner and lovely illustrations for Portland by Briar Levit. I would definitely recommend snagging this book if you’re looking to travel around the United States.
Editor’s Note: I just spoke to my friend Danielle Lehman, a Kansas native, who says that Kansas City is also represented well. Her favorite restaurant Oklahoma Joes, which is listed under Anthony Bourdain’s list of places you have to eat before you die, makes Graphic USA’s list of places to eat.
Bobby
