Designers are always musing the opening of their own studio, as the official description of this book suggests, it’s part of their DNA.
Rather than the usual focus on the studio’s output which is always well documented, this starts with the studio’s input, the people and their motivations.
In many cases the interviews do draw out some of the more interesting perspectives – you’ll certainly realise there’s no right path to running your own studio. From individual practitioners like James Goggin at Practise who began his studio straight out of graduation to Spiekermann’s Edenspiekermann with over 100 personnel – you’ll find approaches that will resonate or you’ll want to reject.
The myth that designers are ‘not very good at business’ isn’t completely shattered, but the cleverness, adaptability and perseverance that has led each of these 28 leading studios to where they are now is the strongest thread that comes through.
It’s clear the designers behind these studios are strong people. Some have weathered some pretty severe storms through a long career, and some are particularly driven by their vision and personal desire to create. Either way if you believe this is the path for you – be ready to have your mettle tested.
Studio Intelligence at the end of the book covers a list of stuff you might need to think about if you want to open your own studio. With all the world renowned experience covered this bit seemed a little thin, especially given the readership is probably well versed in what tools they may need. I’d suggest you can learn more about the intelligence by paying attention to the responses of questions such as “What is your attitude to growth?” and “Do you have a profit-share policy?”
One thing I enjoyed was the chance to peek into the physical space in which these studios operate. Ranging from parts of the family home to a detailed vision for a perfect studio with Spiekermann’s ‘Rundbuero’.
Overall, if you want to understand the drive, reasoning and stories behind well known studios, this book works, especially if you’re in that consideration cycle yourself. If however you want practical info on how because you’ve passed the point of thinking about it and know your own path you may need to get some good legal and financial support and step out.
As you would expect from anything created by these two authors and Spin, the design of the book is beautiful. A tactile cover, an unconventional dust jacket with lovely typography and layout throughout.
Title | Studio Culture: The secret life of the graphic design studio
Authors | Tony Brook & Adrian Shaughnessy
Publisher | Unit Editions (www.uniteditions.com)
Publish Date | 2009
ISBN | 978-0-9562071-0-4
Reviewer | Steven Bennett-Day
Buy from Amazon: Studio Culture: The secret life of the graphic design studio
