In 2009, Unit Editions launched with the publication of Studio Culture: The Secret Life of the Graphic Design Studio. With impeccably high design and production standards, the imprint founded by Tony Brook, Patricia Finegan and Adrian Shaughnessy has since published more than 40 titles, featuring everything from the work of Herb Lubalin, Paula Scher and Vaughan Oliver to Letraset and National Theatre Posters.
Studio Culture maintains a special place in Unit Editions’ legacy, as well as in the collections of readers. The book showcased 28 successful design studios—from Atelier Smith and Doyle Partners to Edenspiekermann, Milton Glaser Inc. and Pentagram—and dug deep into how they achieved and maintain said success. The interviews throughout the book went beyond basic prescriptive talking points and were so effective because of the candor of the subjects.
Now, Unit Editions is crowdfunding a second installment on Kickstarter: Studio Culture Now.
Helmo, Montreuil sous Bois, France
On the list of the 30+ firms that Unit Editions is planning to profile this time around:
-
&Walsh
-
Bráulio Amado
-
Civilization
-
Studio Rejane dal Bello
-
DIA Studio
-
Atelier Dyakova
-
ÉricandMarie
-
Formist
-
Studio Frith
-
Hansje van Halem
-
Helmo
-
Hey Studio
-
Hubertus
-
Julia
-
Zach Lieberman
-
My Name is Wendy
-
Neubau
-
Office of Craig Oldham
-
OK-RM
-
Peepshow
-
Regular Practice
-
Toko
-
Vrints Kolsteren
As Unit Editions writes, “In the book you’ll read about how each featured design studio operates and what enables them to make their best work—from finding premises and organizing business plans, to getting jobs and working with clients, plus everything in between. You’ll also see the spaces they work in and some of the work they make. Through in-depth interviews, the book sheds light on the non-design side of studio life including studio management, extra-studio projects, balancing creativity with profitability, accounting, hiring, promotion, wellbeing and much more.”
The book will also include a “Studio Intelligence” section that features a checklist for launching one’s own studio, and pieces on sustainability, garnering media coverage, and more.
“Studio Culture Now will examine the design studio of today and what designers can do to get the most out of their practice. It aims to be both an inspirational text and a practical guide to setting up, maintaining and developing your design studio for 2020.”
The campaign is currently live. Check out the full project on Kickstarter—and for a taste of Studio Culture, dig into a selection of the original book’s features here.
Civilization, Seattle, USA
Hey Studio, Barcelona, Spain
Studio Dyakova, London, UK
Photos: Kickstarter