on the outside

author:8vo
publisher: lars müller
year: 2005
size:395 pages, 16.5 x 11.5 cm
ISBN: 3037780193
http://www.lars-muller-publishers.com
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background
the design collective 8vo started out life as a
graphic design duo in 1984.
made up of mark holt and simon johnston based at
johnston's london apartment. soon however 8vo expanded
producing work for clients such as factory records,
american express and powergen.
the group broke the mould during their existence, in a time where
graphic design was mostly gimmick driven and image related.
the outfit believed that the message could be delivered via the use of
powerful typography and that type itself could become the image.
with clients such as factory records and the hacienda club
8vo were allowed to produce experimental graphics unlike
anything around at the time. their style I suggested influence from
mid 20th century dutch and swiss graphic design bringing a new feel that
was coherent with the pop culture of the late 1980's and 90's.

content
‘on the outside’ charters the work and history of
the graphic design collective 8vo, It surveys the people
who made up 8vo (mark holt, simon johnston, hamish muir, michael burke and simon kennedy) and the work that they
produced from 1984 through to 2001
its content includes writings from members and their clients.

the book is well balanced with imagery making up most of the content,
the literature is insightful especially to graphic designers.
a notable inclusion is that of mockup work and other initial drawings which, allow the reader to see how each piece evolved.

the graphic style of 8vo has been heavily imitated and so
may seem tired to some readers but work such as
the 'interact' screen font designed in 1994
shows what the group were doing at that time.
'on the outside' is primarily a book about 8vo and their works
but secondly an insight into the workings of a design studio and
the print process.




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