The Politics of Design is a self-initiated and collaborative project between journalism and graphic design. For this book, Ruben Pater used Akzidenz Grotesk, Suisse BP Serif and a custom Suisse Text Condensed for the titles and cover.

The Politics of Design explores the cultural and political context of the typography, colours, photography, symbols, and information graphics that we use every day. Designers, communication specialists, and image-makers possess the power to shape visual communication, and with that power comes great responsibility. Are we as creative professionals really aware of the political meaning and impact of our work in today’s network society? This book examines cultural contexts and stereotypes with visual examples from around the world. It demonstrates that communication tools are never neutral, and encourages its users to rethink global cultural understanding. Additional works by contemporary artists and designers show that political awareness does not limit creativity, but opens up new explorations for a critical visual culture.

Published by BIS.

Suisse Works is available as part of the Suisse typeface from Swiss Typefaces.

BIS Publishers:

In 1922, the Cooper Black typeface entered the world and turned a word into a gesture just by its looks: the undeniable poker face of all typefaces.
Cooper Black is a survivor; it outlived World War II, the first step on the moon, the Cold War, hurricanes, Chinese massage salons, cheap sleazy magazines and storefronts.
This book is a celebration of this famous typeface. It tells its history, but first and foremost it shows how Cooper Black has been used the world over by designers of all sorts.
A very funny gift book for Cooper Black lovers and graphic designers in general.

Editors / Graphic Design: Karin ter Laak and Charlotte Aal
Executive Editor / Art Director: Ward Nicolaas
Copy: Ellen Ter Beek

‘Wereld Design’ features some of the swash alternates included in Collis.

Studio Dumbar:

For more than 20 years Items has been The Netherlands’ leading magazine on design, craft, architecture and the visual arts. Prompted by an evolving editorial formula, BIS Publishers Amsterdam selected Studio Dumbar to create a new concept for the magazine.

Our approach led to a sharper distinction between regular elements and topical features. We increased the visual impact and editorial significance of imagery, providing space for featured projects to shine. We also gave the magazine an added function as a showcase for new graphic design by introducing new fonts for lead features. Created by Dutch type designers, many of the fonts weren’t commercially available at the time of going to press, maintaining Items’ reputation for showcasing the finest in cutting edge creativity.

The primary typeface is Collis, a rare gem from TEFF. The logo appears to be based on Berthold Caslon Book, with a custom ligature.