Intrigue book review by Gary Harwood
In all my years as a communication design professional I had never met Jan Erasmus. I knew who he was and I admired his work from afar. So I was truly honored when he called me up and asked me to review his book. As I flipped through the pages I was amazed just how many of the pieces that I had admired over the past 25 years had been created by Jan. Now as one of the primary objectives of any piece of information design is to be memorable, it occurred to me that I was holding something of importance in my hands.
Jan is one of South Africa’s foremost communication designers and educators. It therefore comes as no surprise then that a book written by him about his viewpoints on communication design, accompanied by select pieces from his life’s work is in itself a communication masterpiece. It is eloquently written and easy to read. The content is compelling and it is beautifully produced.
The book shows a selection of Jan’s work, which spans 25 years of his professional career. But what is both exciting and important about this book is that it is more than just a visual representation of some extraordinary projects. Each piece is accompanied by a brief explanation of his idea and the process involved in its execution. Jan also shares with us his views on the principals of design, photography, illustration, typography and information design.
This book will inspire all information design professionals as well as anyone involved in the fields of branding and marketing. But most importantly it should be compulsory reading for all information design students and educators. Too much design out there today is about vanilla and veneer. It lacks a soul and often it is not based on a single compelling idea. It is seldom one gets the opportunity to climb inside the mind of a ceative thinker of Jan’s stature.
Jan is a multi skilled and versatile communication designer, he moves from classic to contemporary and he switches from analogue to digital with consummate ease.
I am often asked if South Africa has its own unique design style, and of late I am of the opinion that one is beginning to emerge. Now while Jan’s work is as much about substance as it is about style, it is true to the country in which it was created and the country that provides the creative stimuli for Jan’s ever enquiring mind. He is a designer of whom all South Africans should be proud off.
Intrigue – purchase
Standard edition: 128 Pages. 145 x 195mm,
Standard edition: 128 Pages. 145 x 195mm,
over 130 illustrations in Duotone, with Preface and Introduction by Carl Lamprecht and descriptive text by Jan Erasmus. Available through direct mail Order form or by calling Cyber Graphics at (011) 624 1711.
(Price + 14% vat + postage & packaging) R195.00*
International market: A pro-forma Invoice will be emailed to you once we have received your PDF application (faxed to 011 624 1711 | emailed to jan@cybergraphics). With the ProForma in hand, let your bank then send the payment in your respective currency to the bank details that appear on the .pdf application form. When we receiving a conformation of payment the book will be shipped to your address supplied.
(US$25.00 + US$15.00 P&P = US$40.00)
(GBP15.00 + GBP7.00 P&P = GBP22.00)
(EUR17.50 + EUR10.00 P&P = EUR27.50)
Collectors edition: limited to 50 copies of the book is also available. Signed and presented in a hand-made, cloth-covered slipcase with foiling. Available exclusively from Cyber Graphic cc (011) 624 1711.
(Price + 14% vat + postage & packaging) R400.00*
International market: A pro-forma Invoice will be emailed to you once we have receiving your PDF application (faxed to 011 624 1711 | emailed to jan@cybergraphics). With the ProForma in hand let your bank then send the payment in your respective currency to the bank details that appear on the .pdf application form. When we respective a conformation of payment the book will be shipped to your address supplied.
(US$50.00 + US$15.00 P&P = US$65.00)
(GBP30.00 + GBP7.00 P&P = GBP37.00)
(EUR35.00 + EUR10.00 P&P = EUR45.00)
Learner discount for RSA only: Download a Learner order form for this book which will require a Learner No and need to be verified with your University/College.
Specifications: Computer to plate by Francois Roux, The Fast Colour Bureau, MCD Group.
Printed by the late Wolfram Heckl (1949-2010), Ex Libris Press on a Fuji 65 single colour. Body printed on 150gsm Phoeni-X-Motion Xenon Brilliant White from Paper Smith & Son, cover on 300gsm Millennium matt and matt-laminated. Binding by Radco, Specialised Folding and Paper Cutting (Pty) Ltd. 400 copies Standard edition and 50 copies Collectors' edition signed by Jan Erasmus with slipcase by Haste bookbinders.
*Price per copy posted to destinations within South Africa.
Publised date: January 2008 | Distributor: CyberGraphics cc.
Printer: Wolfram Heckl from Ex Libris Press, a well known Fine Art Printing company for decades..
