About Graphic Design

by Richard Hollis

From the man who brought you the layout of John Berger’s Ways of Seeing comes a comprehensive selection of writings covering over 40 years of reflection on graphic design history, from interviews, essays, letters and articles to lectures and course outlines. Designed by Richard Hollis himself and densely illustrated with over 500 thumbnail images, About Graphic Design charts the insatiable curiosity and methodological rigour of the renowned graphic designer, graphic design theorist and historian. This book is testimony to the importance of the role of the graphic designer – who ensures the legibility of our urban spaces – and to the value of historical precedent for contemporary graphic design.

Genres: Design

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Richard Hollis Hon. FRSL (born 1934) is a British graphic designer. He has taught at various art schools, written books, and worked as a printer, as a magazine editor and as a print-production manager. Hollis was elected as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2019.

Reviews

[Craig Stubbs-Race · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skipped a few essays because they were really boring. I think I might need a break from old white authors. First chunk was ok. Ending had some interesting bit. Hollis really likes writing about Nazis?

I'm probably wrong don't listen to me.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Occasional Papers make such an important and good effort bringing awareness of its history and theory to the graphic design world. A field that is young and so unaware of its roots. Richard Hollis' writings in chronological order show interesting developments and how the field has changed over the years.

Each essay stands for itself and the book gives therefore the opportunity to invest a bit of time from then to then, read it, let it sit, draw your conclusions and get back to it another time.