Artists’ Books in Design Curricula

Artists' books can provide real curriculum breadth. As many of them reflect a postmodern design aesthetic they can give balance to programs that may be overly weighted to the Bauhaus and International Style - an inevitability for faculty schooled in the 1970s. Additionally, many artists' books emphasize interactivity and three-dimensional design - both complex design components that require more than two semesters of instruction in order to achieve substantial competency. And of course, there are theoretical ideals to consider. While well-ordered grid layouts, typographical virtuosity, and clear information design can go far to satisfying the needs of business communications, graphic design is actually much, much larger in its potentialities. And as business communications become increasingly digital, there may be some good reasons to look at the future of print design. The academic environment can be an essential key to cultivating potential and encouraging innovation.