The Shape of Design

The Shape of Design is an odd little design book. Instead of talking about typography, grids, or logos, it focuses on storytelling, co-dependency, and craft. It tries to supplement the abundance of technical talk and how-to elsewhere by elevating why great work is done.  Shape is a book about objectives, and it zooms out to answer a couple big questions: How does it feel to make things for other people? And how can we do so in a meaningful, engaged way?

Frank Chimero is a NYC-based designer and writer with a big love for museums, playlists, natural wine, and Phil Collins. For the past 15 years, he has worked as a designer making brands, books, interfaces, and illustrations. He now does client work through his design practice, Frank. His work has been recognized by the Art Directors Club, Print Magazine, and Commercial Arts, and select projects have been featured by The Atlantic, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Time, Slate, Monocle, and adopted by The New Yorker. He has spoken around the world about his work and design practice. In 2012, he wrote, designed, and illustrated The Shape of Design, a little philosophical handbook about design and making things for other people. Since its launch, the book has become a staple text in design education and found an enthusiastic audience beyond the design community.