October 31, 2007
Reviews
Identity Crisis is a rare book
Rare because so many graphic design books rely so heavily on “creampuff” projects—stuff for multi-billion dollar corporations and skateboard park coffee houses. The former have design budgets equal to the GNP of mid-sized countries, the latter award extra points for the pseudo-extreme.
In reality, most graphic designers work with clients who simply want a smart solution at a reasonable price. (I found out early on that most of my clients were not as interested in my quest for self expression as they were their own quest for remaining solvent.) Identity Crisis is a book about real organizations and realistic solutions.
Author Jeff Fisher is a designer who has been in the trenches (if don’t believe me, check out his portfolio). In Identity Crisis he presents case studies of organizations with established identities that need refreshing. He tells us the story of each, shows a logo before and after, provides examples of how the new identity is implemented on brochures, web sites, packaging, and so on, and reveals interesting insights and project details about and by both client and designer.
If you are a graphic designer who has real-world clients—I suggest you add this book to your toolbox. If you are a business owner or marketer who wants to see how others make over and leverage their identity—Jeff Fisher’s Identity Crisis is a good place to start.
Comments
I checked out the PDF, and it looks like an excellent addition to my logo design library.
Jeff's done a sterling job here, no doubt.
Posted by: David Airey | November 2, 2007 4:34 AM
Indeed, there seems to be a real identity crisis. Thank you for highlighting the book, i live and work in Kenya so finding such books is a real task.
Posted by: Raj | November 2, 2007 6:18 AM
When you look at the surface design of a logo, it is easy to overlook the research, insight, and negotiation involved in the process. I particularly like books that allow me to look under the hood. They give me practical details to implement on my own jobs.
Posted by: Chuck Green | November 2, 2007 9:58 AM