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By Michael Strassburger |
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Seattle-based design studio Modern Dog's heady mix of cheeky humor and punk rock aesthetics makes them unique among design firms — and a hell of a lot of fun. Gathered here for the first time is their groundbreaking work in poster design over the past two decades. Posters for theater, events, music, social issues, and self-promotion run the gamut of approaches and attitudes, but always reflects founders Michael Strassbuger and Robynne Raye's distinctive eye. What's more — and unusual in a design monograph — their text is laugh-out-loud funny on nearly every page. Interviews with Michael and Robynne by design luminaries James Victore and Rick Valicenti and an essay by critic Steven Heller illuminate the working methods of these creators of iconic and irreverent fin-de-siecle design. Michael Strassburger and Robynne Raye are cofounders of Modern Dog. Their work has been exhibited internationally, is in the archives of major libraries, and is collected by museums worldwide. – Chronicle Books |
Book Reviews The most impressive aspect of 20 Years, for me, is that it reaffirms what I have always admired most about Modern Dog: Their unabashed versatility and lack of concern for establishing a recognizable style that they could milk. Instead, they explore, push, try, fail, and do things their own dogged way. And, best of all, now I “get it.” [full review] – Armin Vit This volume's entertainment value alone is sufficient reason for owning it, but it also demonstrates why Modern Dog has earned international acclaim-and a place in the permanent collections of libraries and museums around the world. [online version] – Step Inside Design While it makes for a rockin’ coffee table book, what’s perhaps most interesting are the hilarious captions Raye and Strassburger include with each poster. In addition to being funny commentary, they also offer actual information on how ideas are born and executed. It adds up to both a juicy tutorial for wannabe graphic designers and a charming read for eye-candy consumers. A+ [online version] – Brangien Davis Almost lost in the visual noise is the tongue-in-cheek wit of Modern Dog. Thankfully, most of the full-color posters reproduced in the book are accompanied by explanatory, process-oriented captions that are as slyly clever as the posters themselves. – Communication Arts At the same time that it chronicles an important moment in graphic design, this book also manages to achieve something that a lot of design literature fails to do – it appeals to non-designers. Someone without any background in graphic design could pick it up and appreciate both the illustrations and accompanying commentary. It bridges the gap between the professional and the lay person, as it also provides valuable insight for anyone working in the field. – Charlotte West
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If you ever wanted a book that was full of posters spanning the 2 big poster decades, 1987 through 2007, this is one of those.  |
“I have looked over your book of Modern Dog posters and must reluctantly admit that it is clearly the most amazing batch of perfect bound sheets of printed paper that I have ever held at arms length. And at a price of less than 10 cents per poster. The book is a collector's item. A must have for any student who hopes to work as an intern at Modern Dog.” – Figus Upshaw |
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“As conservative as I am, I still enjoy looking at posters, and this book is chock full of posters. Many of them are definitely from the world of lefty liberal loonies, but they are a handsome bunch, nonetheless. Good job!” – Hugh Jassel |
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“What the Hell is this?” – Smokey Dogfart |
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