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

Following its first bestselling predecessor, GRAPHIC FEST 2 continues its legacy with a brand new selection of visual identities that appeal to the right audiences with the same vigour and sensations. As the world slowly opens up after years of the pandemic, previously cancelled or postponed festivals and fairs are springing back to life with a new wave of creativity and energy, while organisers and designers are tasked with enhancing the event’s overall experience and atmosphere after people have spent so much time in isolation. Ranging from logos, typography, to systematic approaches and environmental settings, the series continues with a fresh bout of inspiration to create attractive and memorable events or festivals.

Songscapes takes a deeper look into the craft that goes behind the making of a successful music identity, with artist interviews, production processes, and plenty of behind-the-scenes details. Amid the sea of listening options available in our digital world, it often takes more than a good beat or catchy lyrics for artistes to stand out among their peers, which is why – be they from the mainstream or indie genre – musicians often combine sound with compelling visuals to express their individuality and deliver their message. Explore the new wave of creativity in the packaging of CDs, vinyls, to cassette tapes, as well as the art and graphics that take to online streaming services, music videos, events and more.

Showcasing creative pairings and ingenious applications of Serif and Sans Serif typefaces as well as a rich selection of type specimen, Sans in Use and Serif in Use act as a reference point to inspire type designers and type lovers alike. In the world of typography, it is not uncommon to see combinations of serif and sans serif typefaces in the same design. However, it takes skill to combine them in order to avoid tension and clashes, and ensure maximum readability of the text in the design. From font weights to classifications, each font has its own distinct personality, and should be carefully paired to convey the right tone and mood of the design. Featuring a selection of type specimens, their design applications, and the thoughts that go behind the craft, Sans in Use / Serif in Use collates the best combinations of the two typeface categories and serves as a reference point for inspiration-seeking designers and typographers alike.

Showcasing creative pairings and ingenious applications of Serif and Sans Serif typefaces as well as a rich selection of type specimen, Sans in Use and Serif in Use act as a reference point to inspire type designers and type lovers alike. In the world of typography, it is not uncommon to see combinations of serif and sans serif typefaces in the same design. However, it takes skill to combine them in order to avoid tension and clashes, and ensure maximum readability of the text in the design. From font weights to classifications, each font has its own distinct personality, and should be carefully paired to convey the right tone and mood of the design. Featuring a selection of type specimens, their design applications, and the thoughts that go behind the craft, Sans in Use / Serif in Use collates the best combinations of the two typeface categories and serves as a reference point for inspiration-seeking designers and typographers 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. By manipulating the sense of absence and presence, transparency is a powerful attribute that can lure viewers into exploring what lies beneath and beyond a surface. Featuring additional projects that play with opacity, transparency, and everything in between in clever ways, PALETTE mini 06 – Transparent is a compelling collection of work from around the world that showcases how transparency is being reinterpreted and rejuvenated in design.

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.

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.

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 creative practitioners today, the PALETTE mini series was introduced at the end of 2019 as flip-friendly versions of the originals – redesigned into a more compact size with minimal layouts for instant inspiration. PALETTE mini 08 – Iridescent explores the myriad of possibilities that result from multi-coloured illusions that shift with the viewer’s vantage point through projects from all around the world. Whether its kaleidoscopic nature is utilised to create depth and dimension or to transform physical attributes and perspectives, discover how some of the best designers are experimenting with holographic hues to generate visuals and objects that intrigue.

Whatever your taste in colours may be, there is something truly special about nature's palette. Whether it is the warm brown tones of soil and bark or the lively shades of green, red and gold as leaves cycle through the seasons, we will always be drawn to the distinct hues of our planet on an instinctive level - after all, 'from dust we came, to dust we return'. As such, it comes as no surprise that many artists, designers and brands are inspired by these hues to bring their creative visions to life. PALETTE mini 09: Nature is a compelling compilation of projects from around the world that have been brought to life by the rich spectra of Earth. From brand identities and packaging design to one-of-a-kind art pieces and visual experiments, it features the variety of impactful ways with which familiar colours from our natural environment can be applied to leave meaningful and lasting impressions.

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.

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.