Fresh Dialogue 4

The Fresh Dialogue book series are literal and visual transcripts of annual graphic design conversation spearheaded by the New York chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. The conversation is sort of a roundtable of relevant and emerging graphic artists and designers, each with similar and differing outlooks .. the event creates dialogue between the artists that intertwines many ideas and always brings the conversation to a solitary point that all can agree on in regards to graphic design. -- I found this series while browsing the graphic design books at my local public library and have read 3 of the 7 that are currently available. It would be really neat to be able to go to one of the events in person .. I wish my friend Abbey still went to school at F.I.T. for the mere fact that the events take place there, and, wouldn't it be perfect to go visit her & catch the annual event?!

Fresh Dialogue 4 featured the following three artists:
Peter Buchanan-Smith
Jason Fulford
Leanne Shapton

Buchanan-Smith has a Masters in Fine Arts and Design from SVA, and, post-grad has worked as the art director of the New York Times' op-ed page, as well as the creative director of Paper Magazine. He won I.D. Magazine's design distinction award in 2003 for his first authored book, Speck. His career path has been one in which he's worked with an impressive roster of firms, publications, individuals and musicians, such as Wilco - for whom he designed a Grammy-winning album. He is now his own company.

Fulford & Shapton have created J&L books, combining their own artistic endeavors (Fulford with photography and Shapton with illustration) and also producing books of artistic works by artists that they find, or that find them.

Says Fulford,

"We found that we're interested in art and writing that carries, in equal parts, a sense of humor and the beautiful. We're into artists who present these ideas in original ways. We approached three young photographers whose work we admired and asked if they'd like to publish books with us. The artists helped us raise the money while Leanne and I edited and designed the books."

"We see work that's inspiring and think 'This should be a book!'"

"Part of what we're doing is creating or fostering a network of unpretentious, talented, and energetic people who are all compelled to make beautiful things."



Those are the words of the kind of person I'd really like to work with. It's ridiculously inspiring to hear about people doing things that I want to do, but that are seemingly impossible now. Motivation overload! I carry the confidence to do such great things because I know there are similarly-thinking people out there who just want to DO and MAKE and SEE and LEARN and CREATE lovely things to show off and inspire others.