If We're Standing on the Shoulders of Giants, What Are We Reaching For? Paperback - 2003 - 1st Edition

From the publisher

In this second issue of Emigre presented in our new book format we return to some topics that are close to our hearts.

We look at the phenomenon of Helvetica, and the fact that this nearly 50 year-old sans serif is currently one of the three best selling fonts at many of the world's largest font distributors. But, as ten different designers tell us, not everybody is using it for the same reasons. Featuring interviews with Experimental Jetset, Michael Bierut, Ian Anderson, Michael Cina and others.

We interviewed Rob Giampietro, who has coined the term "Default Systems Design" to describe a particular type of design that is rapidly spreading and is begging to be put under a microscope.

Also, we are featuring four short essays written in reply to our previous issue: Mike Kippenhan addresses graphic design's aversion to criticism and suggests we look at "American Idol" as a model to kick-start the comatose state of design inquiry; Patrick Fox tells us how pro bono work can keep an out-of-work graphic designer from committing desperate acts; Anthony Inciong ponders the responsibilities of graphic design education in an age defined by style and technology; and, finally, Armin Vit fires off a short essay in reply to the challenge put forth by the "old cranks" in "Rant." He may not be speaking for an entire generation of young and upcoming graphic designers, but we have a suspicion many of his contemporaries will agree with what he has to say.