True to its word, the House Industries book is fantastically over-designed, each page a testament to the Buddhist-like patience of the collective printers who have worked with them over the years.
The story telling is relaxed, entertaining and hilariously self-deprecating. Although, the folks at House don't take themselves too seriously, they are a Cultural tour-de-force in the design world and have set design trends that major retailers (Target, Old Navy) have been ripping-off for years and have made millions from.
Their unique vision, talent and respect for their craft is inspiring. Their appreciation for the unrecognized commercial artists of the past is practically a public service. After reading this book though, I felt like I should probably quit design and get a cashiers job at Key Food. Okay, more accurately, I was just shamed into raising the standards of my own work.
This is a truly inspiring book and should be required reading for practicing and wanna-be designers. Spring for a few extra bucks and buy it on their web site and get a numbered and signed addition. www.houseindustries.com