I think it was last thursday that I went and saw the vernissage of a book about the work of this guy called Chip Kidd. Too many very happy Manhattanites clutching their plastic cups of surprisingly respectable white wine politely forcing their way through the narrow corridors of the Herb Lubalin Center; eagerly smiling, sweating. So I had to run. But in the words of my fellow countryman: "I'll be back". I will have to return and have a proper look at the work. I can't believe this guy Chip Kidd has eluded me. And also I can't believe how many of the books I own he designed the covers for. Last time a graphic designer's work inspired me to this extend was when I was a student and I discovered Vaughan Oliver. The exposition is not a simple sweep through. It's well done and offers tons of stuff to discover on a second and third glance. Do yourself a favor and go see it. The exhibition will be on until January 3, 2006.

It's at the

The Herb Lubalin Study Center of Design and Typography
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
School of Art
Foundation Building, 2nd Floor
7 East 7th Street at Third Avenue
New York City

There is a book that goes with the exhibition ...or is it the other way round? Oh, and in case you're wondering, no it's not a really tiny book but the hands are part of the cover illustration. I had to buy that book right away and boy, it is a wonderful ride. I keep picking it up, flicking through it. The level of typographical craftsmanship is like big boles of five star cuisine.

Chip Kidd has a website and so has the
Herb Lubalin Study Center of Design and Typography