Signs and Symbols

by Mark Hampshire, Mark Hampshire

Rich, stimulating, and varied creative sourcebook with a wealth of material for designers The latest in the highly collectable Communicating with Pattern series, Signs and Symbols showcases stunning examples of designs that incorporate all manner of signs, symbols, and glyphs, explaining how they can be used in contemporary design to communicate a variety of messages and influences. Signs and Symbols explores the meaning and origin of these familiar forms, starting with the earliest graphics known to cave paintings and hieroglyphics. Corporate logos, club motifs, coats of arms, political insignia, and religions symbols represent authority and membership. They are also an essential part of daily life, in the form of wayfinding tools such as road signs, alphabets, icons, and signage. This book is a source of inspiration for designers across disciplines using examples of graphics, packaging, interiors, textiles, products, and more.

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of pics (obviously) but no reason not to write more text or make it larger type. And it wouldn't hurt to add some simple detail like 1, 2, 3,... or a, b, c,... to the row when there are 5 to 10 rows of symbols and you have to count down each row. Annoying- so aren't designers mindful of function these days and instead are just worshiping form (at the sacrifice of function?!)? I'll just blame Steve Jobs and Apple ;-p

[Greyson · Rating 2 out of 5]

okay, but nothing special. A bit boring but the diversity of the pictures and symbols work together well to get the information across. The information is interesting enough if not a bit shallowly described.

[Fatini Zulkifli · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Nazi symbol called Swastika, long time ago, was known as the symbol of peace in the East. Hmmm...fascinating.
How the archeologist managed to decode hieroglyphs? With the help of Rosetta Stone.
Tattoo was popularized by sailors.