AIGA celebrates the best book design in America
“50 Books/50 Covers of 2011” results announced with Design Observer and Designers &
Books
NEW YORK—October 1,
2012. Throughout its nearly 100-year existence, AIGA has recognized excellence
in graphic design. Many forms, formats and trends have been brought to the
public through competitions, exhibitions, case studies and publications—an
endeavor befitting of “the professional association for design,” whose mission
includes demonstrating design’s power. One of the best-known
competitions is “50 Books/50 Covers,” which showcases book design of the
highest quality and impact.
AIGA partnered with Design Observer and Designers & Books this year to open the debate to a
broader audience; anyone with an opinion on book and book cover design was able
to submit nominations online, as long as the book was published in 2011. In
addition, the three partners created a 37-person advisory board
to augment public selections with curatorial review and recommendations.
“We shifted away from a typical competition structure in
order to make it a more inclusive process that captures the breadth of
incredible design in publishing; anyone could nominate a book for its
cover design or overall design,” explains AIGA Executive Director Richard
Grefé.
Among this year’s honorees are an anthology of works by new
American writers adorned with only a pencil; a service and prayer book for the
Church of England, in which typography takes the place of expected graphics; Stefan
G. Bucher’s richly illustrated DIY guide for creatives; a book called Bed for which the title’s letters are
mattresses; a reimagining of Jack Kerouac’s collection of works; and a bold interpretation
of David Foster Wallace’s posthumously published unfinished novel. See all 50 book selections and 50 cover selections online.
While “50 Books/50 Covers” has taken a variety of formats
over the years, AIGA has taken pride in playing a role in this important
opportunity to celebrate achievement in book design. All selections will be
added to the AIGA Design Archives, the authoritative digital online
collection of design excellence, and included in the online archives of
Design Observer and Designers & Books.
About AIGA
AIGA is the professional association for design, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to advancing design as a professional craft, strategic
tool and vital cultural force. Founded in 1914, AIGA today serves more than
22,000 members through 66 chapters and 200 student groups throughout the United
States. AIGA stimulates thinking about design, demonstrates the value of design
and empowers the success of designers at each stage of their careers.
For further information, please contact:
Jennifer Bender, director of communications and marketing
AIGA | the professional association for design