Echoes of the Future

Young designers turn back the clock on design

As food, clothing and home goods have skewed toward an old-timey vibe with a focus on handmade, locally crafted wares, so too has graphic design turned back the clock to the pre-digital age. Gestalten‘s latest release, Echoes of the Future, profiles emerging designers that mix current technology with letterpress printing, vintage imagery, dated photographic processes and hand-lettered type—or at the least the illusion of it. …

A Visual Inventory

Architect John Pawson reveals a photographic scrapbook of inspiration

In his career architect John Pawson has designed monasteries for Cistercian monks and constructed boutique shopping locales. He has sketched concepts for yachts, created lounges for Hong Kong airlines, and has even published the deliciously simple cookbook “Living and Eating” (previously on CH). Bringing a sharp eye for minimal design, the architect has embraced a wide range of production, fed by limitless sources of inspiration. …

Chip Kidd

Creating book jacket covers in a hilarious TED talk from the seasoned designer

One of our favorite talks from TED this year, Chip Kidd delivers a great message in a most relaxed and humorous way. The talk, just posted online, reminds us about the importance of print in the digital age: “Much is to be gained by e-books: ease, convenience, portability,” explains Kidd. “But something is definitely lost: tradition, a sensual experience, the comfort of thingy-ness, a little …