On July 1, Mohawk Fine Papers released the 24-page large format booklet/brochure “John Madere: Portraits of Design,” a collection of stunning photographs of 11 of America’s most influential graphic designers: Milton Glaser, Stefan Sagmeister, Paula Scher, Stephen Doyle, Michael Bierut, Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Chip Kidd, April Greiman, Seymour Chwast and Ellen Lupton.
The perfect bound piece was designed by NYC-based Decker Design and printed on Mohawk Kromekote, known for capturing on press what the camera sees. John Madere is a NYC-based photographer whose trademark is his ability to capture the essence and mystery of people in unique human moments that reveal their soul and passions.
The idea for the booklet was conceived from a conversation about designers, initiated as a result of Madere and Decker both having seen Stefan Sagmeister’s 2008 show, “Things I have learned in my life so far.” The making of it was highly collaborative. Before and after each photograph was taken, Madere and Decker discussed the work and legacy of each of the designers and the story that most needed to be told about them.
The design was purposely subordinate to the images, following a disciplined grid and varied pacing. The typeface is Bodoni, a common, classic yet still modern font that we knew would work throughout the booklet, without being antithetical to anyone’s design philosophy. For the back cover Decker chose warm red, a nod to the modernist design palette.
Great consideration also was given to how best to showcase the printing possibilities for Kromekote, without getting too gimmicky and taking the attention away from the images. On Michael Beirut’s photograph, for example, a combination of gloss and dull varnishes were used, gloss appearing on the windows only. Decker also encouraged Madere to write about his experience on the shoots and included this copy in the back of the book, allowing for the showcasing of another production technique: soft touch aqueous coating combined with a gloss varnish.
The result: A brochure just as at home on a coffee table, atop a stack of pricey fine art photography books or as an esteemed piece of inspiration in the library (or on the wall) of any artist, photographer or graphic designer.
A copy of “John Madere: Portraits of Design,” can be purchased from the sample store on the Mohawk Fine Paper website.
For interesting vignettes and anecdotes about the photo sessions, read Madere's blog.
The perfect bound piece was designed by NYC-based Decker Design and printed on Mohawk Kromekote, known for capturing on press what the camera sees. John Madere is a NYC-based photographer whose trademark is his ability to capture the essence and mystery of people in unique human moments that reveal their soul and passions.
The idea for the booklet was conceived from a conversation about designers, initiated as a result of Madere and Decker both having seen Stefan Sagmeister’s 2008 show, “Things I have learned in my life so far.” The making of it was highly collaborative. Before and after each photograph was taken, Madere and Decker discussed the work and legacy of each of the designers and the story that most needed to be told about them.
The design was purposely subordinate to the images, following a disciplined grid and varied pacing. The typeface is Bodoni, a common, classic yet still modern font that we knew would work throughout the booklet, without being antithetical to anyone’s design philosophy. For the back cover Decker chose warm red, a nod to the modernist design palette.
Great consideration also was given to how best to showcase the printing possibilities for Kromekote, without getting too gimmicky and taking the attention away from the images. On Michael Beirut’s photograph, for example, a combination of gloss and dull varnishes were used, gloss appearing on the windows only. Decker also encouraged Madere to write about his experience on the shoots and included this copy in the back of the book, allowing for the showcasing of another production technique: soft touch aqueous coating combined with a gloss varnish.
The result: A brochure just as at home on a coffee table, atop a stack of pricey fine art photography books or as an esteemed piece of inspiration in the library (or on the wall) of any artist, photographer or graphic designer.
A copy of “John Madere: Portraits of Design,” can be purchased from the sample store on the Mohawk Fine Paper website.
For interesting vignettes and anecdotes about the photo sessions, read Madere's blog.