Producent: Staatsdrukkerij en Uitgeverij en drukkerij Spinhex
Design: Jelle van der Toorn Vrijthoff, Frans Lieshout en Reynoud Homan
The initial instance of publishing a book about Total Design occurred during the agency’s 20th anniversary commemoration. This transpired in 1983, following preparations that started in 1982, around the time when Wim Crouwel left and I followed him up. This project marked my intention to depart from Wim Crouwel’s entrenched principles or dogma’s. The distinctive pattern of vertical and horizontal lines was disrupted with an unconventional, skewed book. In hindsight, this publication might have served as a pivotal moment, ushering in changes to the bureau’s operational approach.
Consequently, the 1980s ushered in the era of automation. Apple entered the graphic design domain, triggering a rapid and transformative revolution over a few short years. However, in 1982, these advancements were not yet fully realized. The inaugural edition of the book was traditionally produced, employing the resources of a complete pre-press drawing studio. In 1983, Total Design procured its first computers, pioneering automation with substantial investments that sparked widespread intrigue.
The release of the second book in 1989, a mere six years later, distinctly illustrates the complete displacement of the analogue era by digitization.
