Russian stamps, Mao kitsch in China, and 35 winners of our Creativity + Commerce
competition. Plus, top designers reveal their favorite psychological tactics that are sometimes required for clients to say “yes.”
A trove of postage stamps reveals the icons, aspirations, and failings of Imperial Russia and the Soviet Union.
By Bruce N. Wright
Little Black Books
Fifteen years ago, Milan-based company Moleskine bet on paper and won. Now it ponders its future in the digital world.
By Michael Silverberg
From a precocious pig named Olivia to that gold man known as Oscar, an introduction to Ireland’s vibrant animation scene.
By John Canemaker
The Art of Seduction
Devilish ruses. Psychological tricks. Red herrings and poker faces. The many ways that designers get clients to say “yes.”
By Peter Mendelsund and Peter Terzian
KNOCK’s self-promotional identity
Up Front
A history of the Latin letterform; behind the scenes
Shelf Life
Current trends in music, book, and product packaging
By Debbie Millman, Douglas Wolk, and Claire Lui
World View
Chairman Mao gets a pop-culture makeover.
By Ellen Shapiro
Dialogue
Adam Parfrey, president and publisher of Feral House Books
Interview by Steven Heller
Observer
Design is now about control—of our perceptions and emotions.
By Rick Poynor
Best Practices
There’s no such thing as garbage.
By Jeremy Lehrer
Interaction
How can digital design be archived effectively?
By Khoi Vinh
Ephemera
The story of a house, in blueprint
By Penny Wolfson
Back Issue
Britain’s cultural confidence
By Martin Fox
Desktop
Obsessions and tools on the web
By Patric King and Su
Hot Type
Trilby, reviewed
By Paul Shaw
Books
Reviews by Stacey Kahn and Colin Berry
End Product
IceStone, Al Gore’s countertop
