Paper View
Sight Unseen returns to the printed page with a limited edition publication championing the creative process
The brainchild of two former I.D. Magazine editors, Sight Unseen began as a Kickstarter project in 2009, shortly after the celebrated print outlet published its final issue. Armed with years of industry experience, Jill Singer and Monica Khemsurov tackled the online world with a distinct site focused on the creative process and what happens behind the scenes at design studios around the world.
Now, with the help of Karlsson’s Vodka Unfiltered project, Singer and Khemsurov return to the printed page with a limited edition book designed by NYC’s Studio Lin. The aptly titled “Paper View” includes 24 new features on a range of designers, including Roman and Williams, Anntian, Roanne Adams, Andy Rementer, Shin Okuda and more.
The duo smartly organized the book into four thematic sections revolving around what it’s like to be a maker. Beginning with “My Mom and Dad Are Artists”, the book continues the exploration of some of the universal truths behind creative thinking with the headings “I Studied X and Now I’m Doing Y”, “Material Obsession” and “Strange Ephemera”. Singer and Khemsurov expertly detail insights from their studio visits and combine valuable text with illustrative photos for a comprehensive overview of how each designer works.
In a one-page column called “8 Things”, a handful of designers candidly share what inspires them—Apartamento founder Nacho Alegre tells how he is humbled by the work of American photographer Alec Soth, PIN-UP Magazine editor Felix Burrichter declares his love for Lagunilla flea market in Mexico City, Mondo Cane‘s Patrick Parrish divulges Sweetwater I.P.A. as his favorite beer and Established & Sons‘ Sebastian Wrong states his obsession for open fireplaces, to name a few.
Limited to just 400 copies, “Paper View” is now available to order for $30. Those in NYC can celebrate the book launch at the design-led boutique Creatures of Comfort (also highlighted in the printed edition), where the Sight Unseen Shape Shop pop-up will open tonight, 9 April and run through 6 May 2012. The temporary store within a store is centered around all things geometric—from Bec Brittain‘s Penta-Hex bottle opener to pillow totems from Mociun and more.
