A bumper edition of Things this week as the postal service clear out their backlog, and in turn fill our eyes with beautifully printed bits and pieces to tell you about. So, in classic going back to school fashion, here’s the line-up in height order.

Blue Inks

Andy Smith
It’s always pleasing to receive something through the post from Andy Smith. His standard brand of excellent type and image tells the story of a tribe of characters called the Blue Inks, that are aptly hand screen printed with aplomb.
www.asmithillustration.com

Studio

Harry Watts
Most editorial photography students would have spent some time assisting to help pay the bills and get that all important experience before entering the industry. Harry found himself in the assisting boat, and took full advantage, using the studio he spent so many hours in as the subject for a postcard book that brings new life to some standard studio equipment.
www.harry-watts.co.uk

Annalemma Issue 5

_ Edited by Chris Heavener_
I’m gutted I didn’t see the first four issues of Annalemma. Gutted because I’ve enjoyed the fifth installment so much. A humble editors letter backed up with some great writing and imagery, none more impressive than the free embossed print and spreads from Danny Jones. Read this if you get the chance, it’s not ‘just another one of those’.
www.annalemma.net

Fixed

Andrew Edwards and Max Leonard, Published by Laurence King
Yeah you may have to cycle backwards to stop, but if that’s even crossing your mind you’re missing the point. A fixed wheel bike (to some) is a thing of ultimate, sleek, uncomplicated beauty and this book confirms that cult status has been well and truly reached. Covering design, history, riders and everything in between this is one for the enthusiast or the intrigued.
www.laurenceking.com

Creative Island II

John Sorrell, Published by Laurence King
Last time I did the Things review there was a book on British design, and the cropping up can only be a good indication of work being produced on our fair isle. John Sorrell is more than qualified to pass judgement, but instead lets each practitioner have their say on the piece chosen, giving the book a depth and character that the reader will appreciate. If your British design bookcase is big enough, this would make a fine addition.
www.laurenceking.com

Radical Nature

Edited by Francesco Manacorda, published by Koenig Books
Intelligent, considered curation has made The Barbican one of our most loved institutions, and their latest show Radical Nature adds to the legacy. A documentation of how our planet has changed over the last 50 years provides insight and sharp comment on a topic that seems to have been nagging for a really beautiful book for a while. We have a couple of copies of this stunner to give away, so watch this space for more details soon, in the meantime try and make it down to see the show.
www.barbican.org.uk

New Packaging Design

Janice Kirkpatrick / Graven Images, Published by Laurence King
Completing the Laurence King hat-trick this week is a bit of eye candy for the packaging nut. Handily separated into neat chapters dealing with a protection, preservation, performance and promotion, Of course the classic Apple ideas are in there, but some other less expected things make it, and the book as a whole is better off for it. I challenge you to find a worthy piece of packaging that isn’t in here.
www.laurenceking.com

Toormix New papers

Toormix
Barcelona studio Toormix aren’t the first to have produced a newspaper to show off their new work, but are possibly one of the most successful. Beautifully designed calling on the assets of the newsprint, it casts a pretty positive light over their studio that I’m pleased I’ve been introduced to.
www.toormix.com

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About the Author

Alex Bec

Alex joined as director in 2008 and oversees the commercial side of The HudsonBec Group which includes It's Nice That, Anyways, Lecture in Progress and If You Could Jobs. Contact him to discuss working with us on sponsored content, commercial partnerships, media partnerships and commissioning work.

alex@thehudsonbecgroup.com

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