Hi everyone. My name is Katlynn, and I am a Barnes & Noble addict.
It all begins when I actually have a free day to do whatever I please. I drive to my local Barnes & Noble, where I open the giant wooden doors to a world of brand new books. The new book smell combines with the smell of espresso coming from the other side, forcing me to make my way to the cafe. After getting my overpriced white chocolate mocha, I get lost for hours among the endless bookshelves. It is caffeinated and literary paradise, my friend.
My favorite shelves to visit include the art, technology, and advertising sections. Reading about these subjects builds inspiration and knowledge that I can use as a designer and artist. As a bonus, reading about art over the summer keeps the brain strong while you are on a break from classes and projects.
It takes all of my willpower to not buy every book in the store, but over the years I have caved and put my membership discount to good use. This summer it is my goal to finally read all the books I have bought. Here are some on my list that I recommend:
Mad Women
by Jane Maas
I am about halfway through this one and love it. Jane wrote this memoir to show people what it was like to be a woman working in a male-dominated ad agency in the 1960’s. She wanted to clarify both myths and truth portrayed in the TV show “Mad Men,” and described how the business world has changed since then. I found this especially interesting since I’d like to work in an ad agency in the future.
Just Design
by Christopher Simmons
Ever since I was in high school, I’ve been fascinated with the role art and design can play in causing social change. This book is a compilation of various projects done to promote a social cause. Some issues made aware of by designers include sexual assault, childhood obesity, pollution, and homelessness.
A History of Graphic Design for Rainy Days
by Studio 3
This quirky book is basically one long, illustrated story about a boy who is bored at his grandparents’ house one rainy day. His grandpa shows him his graphic design office, and the two of them go time traveling through different eras of design history. It is a fun way to learn about the history behind graphic arts. The book was written and created by Studio 3, a group of design students from Norway.
What kind of books are you reading this summer? Any art-related ones?
