Where would the button be without the button hole?: Unsung heroes of anonymous design

George Tscherny

Softcover | 22.4 x 0.5 x 26.9 cm | 32 pp

RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press | 2008 | 9781933360355

This book is about designs born of necessity; often spontaneously, always pragmatically. It is also about the particular sensibility of graphic designer George Tscherny and his ability to find beauty or art in the most ordinary things, and to communicate this appreciation to others.

Intended for readers of all ages, the accessible style of the book makes it an ideal teaching resource for helping children of all ages think about design and the effect it has on our daily lives. Tscherny conveys great enthusiasm for what could be called "anonymous," "ad hoc", or "vernacular" design; for objects that have an aesthetic appeal in spite of themselves; for creations that are both ingenious and ingenuous. 

Tscherny heavily illustrates the book with items from his personal collection, analysing everything from the folding lunch box, to the vintage re-closable bottle, to the artlessly fashioned paper clip, safety pin and wire hanger. These are just a sampling of the many objects he has collected. This book gives the reader a glimpse into his world.

George Tscherny began his professional career as a graphic designer in New York in 1950. He served two terms as president of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). In 1997, he was inducted into the New York Art Directors Hall of Fame. A comprehensive selection of his work is included in the Graphic Design Archives at RIT.