Written by Alexander Charchar

You'd be hard-pressed to find a graphic designer who doesn't know the name Paul Rand. You'd be even harder-pressed to find anyone who lives in the western-world who doesn't recognize the marks he'd made. When ordering Sparkle and Spin and Little 1, I wasn't sure if this was the sole reason I wanted them—a little piece of quirkiness by a great graphic designer and the women he loved. Having received them and enjoyed them several times, I now know the reason why I now love them – they're simply beautiful.

Both brightly illustrated, the graphic wit behind these books is a joy to take in – a lot can be learned about how to capture an idea and emotion in the simplest of ways. A mix of large type, paper-cut illustrations (that remind me of Saul Bass in many ways) and simple drawings mix together as they show us that the sum is greater than the parts.

Sparkle & Spin

Published in 1957, one year after the couple produced their first children's book, I Know a Lot of Things, and also a year after Rand developed his first branding effort for IBM, Sparkle and Spin is a 40 page delight that is written as an introduction to words and how they can dance and sing with one another.

Little 1

Published five years later in 1962, Little 1 is the story of a cute little character (litterally the 1 from the title) who makes his way through the world trying to find a friend so he isn't all by himself. To help give a little perspective; the illustrations for Little 1 were probably being developed at the same time the IBM bar logo, the ABC logo, UPS logo (which was done the previous year, so this might be stretching it) and Cummins logo were being sketched out and developed.

As a designer and admirer of the clever, these are, admittingly selfishly, two books I purchased for my self first and any future children second. I'm sure many would see the idea of a 23 year old purchasing children's books for himself as a little odd. I prefer to see it as an insight into the child-like curiosity and playfulness of one of the greatest creatives to have lived. These two books go to show that even the idolized designers of our times see playing and producing self-initiated projects as a worth while endeavour. So perhaps the next time stress and strain bears down upon you while you work away for an unappreciative client, boss or whomever, perhaps it is worth remembering that solace and fruition can be found in works which are far removed from that which is causing this anguish. Besides, who doesn't enjoy doing something that causes others to smile?


REFERENCES & LINKS

Paul-Rand.com
A fantastic resource for all things Paul Rand, produced through love for his work by Daniel Lewandowski.

Paul Rand tribut video
A video tribute to Paul Rand, illustrating his his words and works in some fun animation.

All about Paul Rand @ Logo Design Love
David at Logo Design Love did a great job of this article on Paul Rand. Includes links to flickr groups, videos and more.

Paul Rand – Corporate Identity Designs, Innovation and Excellence
At LogoBlog.com there is an article from 2007 outlining his work on branding and some of his poster work.

One Show – Paul Rand Tribute Film
A four-minute tribute film for his induction to the One Club Hall of Fame in 2007.

Paul Rand set on Flickr
One of the Flickr groups dedicated to Paul Rand and his work.

COMMENTS

stacie herndon kimrey

2008-11-03 18:58:09 + stacie herndon kimrey's website

Thanks for sharing these! Paul Rand is a major inspiration for me. I love it when "serious" designers can design a perennial corporate logo and still make a children's book. That's the best.

LaurenMarie - Creative Curio

2008-11-05 20:54:46 + LaurenMarie - Creative Curio's website

Well I don't think it's the least bit odd that a 23 y.o. designer is purchasing children's books. Hehe, and I think I would be like you and buy them for myself first. I would probably even buy a second copy for the kids (no grubby fingerprints on mommy's books!!)

I never knew Paul Rand wrote children's books. That's awesome! And with his wife too :) So sweet! You're right, the illustration style of Sparkle and Spin is quite similar to Saul Bass' work.

Thanks for the new book reviews, Alex!

Alex Charchar

2008-11-09 11:47:09 + Alex Charchar's website

Stacie
You're very welcome! Most designers are fun and interesting people, so it's great to see some of their lighter sides, isn't it? I think that's why blogging is such a great thing for creative folk!

Lauren
I've been thinking I'll have to buy a second copy as I wouldn't want my kids getting their filthy mitts all over them!

Rand is one of those designers I only know superficially.. Meaning; I know some of his work, can picture him and how he talks, but I don't know his history as well as I wish I did. Might have to do a profile on him :)

LaurenMarie - Creative Curio

2008-11-10 01:13:16 + LaurenMarie - Creative Curio's website

I think your take on Rand would be a great read! Just make sure you put your own opinions in there, we already have plenty of biographies listing his life details and famous logos. What makes him fascinating to you is the question to answer. How does researching his work impact your own? How do you hope it changes ours?

Alex Charchar

2008-11-13 14:03:01 + Alex Charchar's website

Hey Lauren,

Your last comment has had me thinking.. I'm a major believer in injecting your self into the work you do, but I think I've forgotten that lately..

While thinking about how I'd write a look at Rand's life, I couldn't help but think "... but Steven Heller has already done it, how can I do it any different than he?" Thanks for reminding me of the answer

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3.22 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."