My Design Hero

Chip Kidd is at the top of my inspiration list.

I have been following his career since (I'm embarrassed to admit) the mid-80's when, wandering around my favorite bookstore, I began to realize that every new book jacket design I admired was credited to Kidd. Over the next few years, I paid close attention as a revolution unfolded. Book cover designs enjoyed a much needed overhaul. They became intelligent, bold and masterfully creative. But it all began with Chip. He led the way then, as he continues to now, and raises the bar for our profession.


I had the opportunity to hear him speak yesterday evening (for only the second time) at the New Haven Lawn Club in Connecticut. He read from his hot-off-the-press newly released (February 19, 2008) second novel The Learners, which ironically takes place in New Haven and its central character is a graphic designer named Happy. And I am a very happy New Haven graphic designer able to report to you that I am now the proud owner of an author's signed copy of The Learners.

Kidd must not have thought himself busy enough working his day job (designing book jackets at Knopf) while writing a novel. In addition to also taking on freelance gigs and editing other design publications, has now added to his ever-expanding resume the formation of an alternative rock band called Artbreak Wonderground for whom he writes and plays percussion. For all of this and more, he has my admiration and utmost respect. Rock on, Chip.

Here is the short bio from the book jacket: "CHIP KIDD is credited for revolutionizing the way modern books are packaged. "The history of book design can be split into two eras: before graphic designer Chip Kidd and after." says Time Out New York. Kidd has also written about graphic design and popular culture for McSweeney's Vogue, The New York Times, The New York Observer, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Post and I.D. Kidd's first novel, The Cheese Monkeys, was a national bestseller, as well as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year."

Credits | quote: Simon & Schuster; photo: Tim Davis, The Day