When a product is labelled as "Made in Japan", it is often a promise of quality, and the consistent clarity, order and precision of Japanese designs definitely ensures that the reputation is not exaggerated. Known for their minimalist, clean lines, the iconic styles of Japanese designs are admired and imitated all over the world. Truly standing forefront in the establishment of a national design identity, it is the prime example of culture-meets-design, mixing history, traditional art and philosophy into contemporary designs. With the spotlight on more than 40 local creatives behind all sorts of different projects in different fields, Made in Japan spans from brand identities to spatial design to illustrations and more, examining how variety is held together by the influence of a common culture.

When it comes to building a brand, logo design is often one of the first few important steps in the creative journey. In addition to encapsulating what the business stands for and making an impactful first impression upon launch, it has to be instantly recognisable and stand out amid other similar offerings in an often saturated market. With so much more competition to contend with today, how can designers help start-ups and evolving brands put their best foot forward visually? A key branding element used by many of the biggest companies around the world, a logotype revolves around a company’s name or initials and features typography as the main design approach. Often the starting point before it is further refined into a purely symbolic image or icon, it combines two distinct design disciplines to differentiate brands from one another – a process that takes acumen, skill and empathy. FROM TYPE TO LOGO details some of these processes in a compelling book of case studies that make an inspiring reference point for budding and working branding professionals alike.

There is something morbidly fascinating about the dark and grotesque. Although it is human nature to tiptoe around the uncomfortable (or avoid it altogether), some artists are inspired by the unsettling to create intriguing works of art that push the boundaries of normality and provoke viewers into exploring their fears and taboos. There are also others who use them as springboards of the imagination to express their innermost feelings and question the often-grim realities of existence. In conjunction with Victionary's 20th anniversary, the new edition of 'DARK INSPIRATION' combines most of the projects from the first two best-selling titles of the same name along with new work into one meaty celebration of the macabre. Featuring chilling depictions of childhood reveries, folklore, mysteries, and death in a variety of styles and interpretations, each project serves unconventionally as a celebration of life in all its gruesome glory. With contributions from: Aitch, Akino Kondoh, Aleksandra Waliszewska, Alessandro Sicioldr Bianchi, Alex Garant, Alice Lin, Amandine Urruty, Audrey Kawasaki, Bene Rohlmann, Dadu Shin, Dan Hillier, Daniel Martin Diaz, Danny Van Ryswyk, David Ho, dromsjel, Eero Lampinen, Eika, Elisa Ancori, Erik Mark Sandberg, Evelyn Bencicova, Fabian Merelle, Fiona Roberts, Francesco Brunotti, Francois Robert, Fuco Ueda, Gabriel Isak, Giacomo Carmagnola, Guim Tio Zarraluki, Hannes Hummel, Heiko Muller, James Jean, Januz Miralles, Jeff Mcmillan, Jesse Auersalo, Jim Johnson Tsang, Jon Beinart, Jules Julien, Justin Nelson, Kate Macdowell, Katy Horan, Kayan Kwok, Kim Simonsson, Kotaro Chiba, Lala Gallardo, Lola Dupre, Lostfish, Mariana Magdaleno, merve morkoc (Lakormis), Mia Makilo, Michael Reedy, Miranda Meeks, Nadja Jovanovic, Nicoletta Ceccoli, Oleg Dou, Olivia Knapp, Paola Rojas H & David Perez, Paul Hollingworth, Raffaello De Vito, Raul Oprea aka Saddo, Richard Colman, Ryan Oliver, Sergio Mora / Agency Rush, Tara McPherson, Till Rabus, Tim Lee, Yido, Yoshitoshi Kanemaki, Yuka Yamaguchi, Yury Ustsinau, and Zhou Fan

Tattoos are capable of reflecting both their owner s style and interests as well as advertising the talent of the artist involved. With tremendous skill and vision they are able to transform skin into canvas, working with their clients to produce artwork that is unique and meaningful. Combining motifs from contemporary art and design trends with traditional methods, the artists of today push the boundaries of the expected. Ink The Art of Tattoo includes interviews with some of the global masters in the field as well as a gallery of flash art and exquisite photography throughout.

Minimalist design has grown into a popular and timeless aesthetic due to its emphasis on uncluttered spaces and the exclusion of unnecessary elements, making it the perfect anecdote to the chaos of modern life. However, although it works across a variety of mediums––spanning visual identities and interiors––some may find its rigour and restraint too dull or lacking in character visually.As such, the maximalism movement has been gaining more and more momentum of late. Instead of extolling ‘less is more’ and paring everything down to a bare minimum, creatives are expressing themselves in bigger, bolder, and brighter ways that brim with personality. Whether it is by mixing clashing colours or matching disparate patterns and elements, ‘More is More’ is an ode to the fearless few who deftly break design rules and push the boundaries to make eye-catching statements.

PRINTABLE is a stunning showcase of familiar and innovative methods that elevate printed matter for branding and beyond. In an increasingly digital world, the art of printing has become more precious than ever. Although screens continue to take over society and sustainable practices have improved the preservation of natural resources, many designers still thrive on delivering tactile experiences, experimenting with new techniques or being inventive with conventional materials to bring their ideas to life in meaningful and visually impactful ways. Featuring printing experts, printmakers, and creative projects from around the world, PRINTABLE celebrates craftsmanship and serves to inspire those looking to add more character and dimension to their work.

There is something distinctly visceral about graphite art, where every stroke of the artist or illustrator seems to convey emotion in its purest form. At a time when almost everything can be digitally done up to perfection, the smudges and smears by graphite can be refreshing to the eye and unapologetically human - touching viewers to the core. As a creative tool, it can also be the simplest and most affordable medium with which to express oneself and find joy. GRAPHITE is a stunning collection of pencil artwork by creatives around the world who have skilfully mastered the art of drawing by hand to make their mark. Featuring various subject matters and styles, it makes for a beautiful addition to the bookshelf and invites you to step away from your screen every now and then to, perhaps, pick up a pencil yourself and appreciate the simple things in life.

No two human beings are 100% alike, which is why skin tones make one of the most distinct and diverse palettes on our planet. Although they may seem subtle and soft when presented without context, nude colours can be striking when it comes to making a statement in art or design - which is why more brands are investing in the value of authenticity and the au naturel in a world full of fakes and artificiality. PALETTE mini 00: Nude features a variety of projects that utilise skin tones in exciting and engaging ways by recognising the artists, designers and brands who boldly embrace the beauty of going bare. No matter what platforms or mediums they are applied upon, it celebrates diversity in all its naked glory.

New Utilitarian takes an intriguing look at the designers who are seamlessly applying a systematic approach to their work to translate bold ideas into striking visual languages for the Age of Data. Trends may come and go in the design world, but when function follows form, the results are often timeless. As technology continues to advance and digital devices become increasingly inextricable from our daily lives, behavioural research, insight, and analysis are informing creativity and craftsmanship, giving designers a grid-like playground to explore and experiment with ideas that simultaneously solve problems and push boundaries at the intersections of the logical and the imaginative to resonate. Rooted in reason and principle, each project is a meaningful expression of modern artistry that leaves a distinct impression on the design landscape of today.

Inspired by classic kung fu flicks from the 1980s and 1990s, Hong Kong cult illustrator Rex Koo pays tribute to the heroes from his childhood in I KNOW KUNG FU– an artbook that celebrates the much-loved shows and stars that have made Chinese martial arts into the global pop-culture phenomenon that it is today. Drawing from four popular kung fu movies – “Once Upon a Time in China III�, “Shaolin Soccer�, “Kung Fu Hustle�, and “The Grandmaster� – Koo brings to life the legendary tales and titbits behind fan-favourite fighting techniques such as the “Golden Shield Iron Vest�, “Magic Power of Toad�, and “Tai Chi Fist� in his distinct, nuanced style. Readers can expect over 250 pages of compelling and characterful illustrations depicting featured moves and film stills, before learning more about the actors and producers that have made a mark on local and international kung fu cinema via a special section dedicated to these masters. This book is available in a vivid red or bright yellow; books are shipped to customers at random.

Fashion trends may be ever-evolving, but the art of dressing up is a timeless affair. From investing wisely in flattering pieces that transcend the seasons to accentuating one's personality with the right accessories, curating the perfect wardrobe can be a lifelong quest worth pursuing for those who enjoy expressing themselves in style. Drawing from his years of experience honed through commissions for iconic brands around the world, Mr. SLOWBOY presents his portraits of the modern gentleman in a variety of delightful illustrations that inspire with their sense of individuality and effortlessness. His book includes quintessential tips for assembling a coveted closet and a sneak peek into his creative background to appeal to both sartorialists and artists alike.

A world without plants is a world without life, both literally and figuratively. Besides forming the very basis of human survival on Earth, they are also an important source of creative inspiration, ingenuity, and expression. From scientific explorers like Sir Joseph Banks who travelled across the globe in search of never-seen-before species to impressionist painters like Édouard Manet who sought to capture the subtle beauty of everyday objects, many artists and illustrators have used flora as a powerful means to convey the essence of our very existence.

BOTANICAL INSPIRATION is a timeless collection of artwork and illustrations that feature flora and its many facets through a variety of visual concepts, styles, and techniques. It speaks to lovers of both nature and creativity as a universal language in itself, thoughtfully interpreted by some of today’s most intriguing and interesting talents.

There is something distinctly compelling about the vintage aesthetic. Brimming with charm and character, it often tells stories of a colourful past and showcases a level of craftsmanship that many creatives today still aspire to emulate. Retro designs also emanate a sense of comfort and warmth that is tinged with nostalgia. As testament to the adage that old is indeed gold, 'New Retro' showcases a brilliant collection of work that is anything but outdated, featuring projects that not only draw inspiration from the good old days, but also merge seamlessly with contemporary influences and culture. First published in 2016, this 2021 rerelease - with additional projects and a special cover design - coincides with Victionary's 20th anniversary and is dedicated to the fans who have been requesting for its reprint ever since it went out of stock.

As adults in a fast-paced modern world, many can hardly afford to enjoy the simplest things in life today. With data and technology being at the forefront of our increasingly digital lifestyles, it is becoming almost impossible to make time for pure creativity, imagination, and freedom of expression - unless we start allowing our minds to wander fearlessly into the unknown and celebrate the art of doing nothing, whenever we can. LOST IN REVERIE sets out to capture the magic and mystique of dreamscapes, from the comforting to the unsettling and everything else in between. The book will comprise art and illustration featuring intriguing concepts and styles that explore the realms between the real and surreal; becoming a means of escape from the dreariness of everyday and a beautiful reminder to never stop dreaming.

Since it was first released, the original PALETTE series has been an instrumental source of colour-themed references for designers around the world. 8 editions later, in keeping with the demands of today’s creative practitioners, PALETTE mini books were introduced at the end of 2019 as flip-friendly versions of their originals – redesigned into a compact size with minimal layouts for instant inspiration. Manifesting a distinct simplicity, monochromatic hues can make a statement in the midst of all the surrounding visual noise. By consciously capitalising on a sole colour or a tonal palette, the designers in PALETTE mini 07 – Monotone have created variety out of singularity without rigour or restraint, as seen through the thoughtful formulations, materials, and techniques that bring their branding, packaging, and interior projects to life.

The minimalism movement has become a mainstay in popular culture over the recent years, due in no small part to the mounting pressures of modern life and the need to cut clutter as a consequence. In graphic design, its principles are often applied by way of reducing the colour palette used, whether it be for visual identities, publications, or exhibitions. Amid the sea of chaos in saturated spaces, simplicity can make for a truly striking statement. In conjunction with Victionary's 20th anniversary, the 2021 rerelease of 'Less is More' features additional projects and a special cover that draws from the original look of its best-selling predecessor. It features creative solutions and visual experiments from around the world that play with thoughtful colour combinations, material applications, printing effects, and graphic details to prove that the best designs often speak more with less.