Oh, The Things You Can Learn

Stefan Sagmeister’s book “Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far” is one such work that everyone should experience. To say that it’s simply a “book” isn’t quite accurate either, it’s more of a collection of smaller books, each with their own visual representations of his many design accomplishments mixed with his thoughts and design philosophy. The collection is undoubtedly brilliant and unmatched in his variety and versatility as a designer, artist and typographer.

Not only does each small book serve as an account of individual projects and articles by Sagmeister, they also serve as “texture and color skin” backgrounds for the die-cut book cover!

To say Sagmeister is eccentric designer is an understatement. He takes massive strides to ensure his body of work over a lifetime includes experimentation, intrigue and most of all, variety. Many designers become stuck in the mindset of one particular style structurally, typographically and though their selected medium.

He encourages designers to step out of their safe boxes and open their minds to keeping track of the things that make them happiest. One of the methods of creative freedom that he encourages is keeping a diary of all of your thoughts and ideas. Doing this allows you to expand your horizons creatively and helps you to solidify what would normally be a fleeting thought or idea.

This simple principal alone can change the mindsets of any designer or artist willing to step outside their drone work modes and explore a creativity and innovation in themselves that perhaps they have never experienced before.

The work of Stefan Sagmeister is not for the faint of heart! But if you’re ready for a creative adventure, I urge you to add this brilliant collection to your home library.