Symbol Book Review and Giveaway

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Update: Giveaway Winners Announced

Congratulations Bill S Kenney, Keri Thornton, and Matt Yow — a copy of Symbol will be on its way to you shortly.

If you lucked out this time, don’t despair. We’ll be giving away a copy of the limited-run, Codex magazine next week.
Stay tuned!

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During our move from Australia to London, one unfortunate casualty was our collection of design books. Being heavy, and therefore too expensive to ship, they now sit in storage, gathering dust until we return sometime in the future.

Now that we have finally settled into our new studio in London, I have the pleasure of starting a new book collection.

To kick-start the collection, my first purchase was the new book, Symbol by Angus Hyland and Steven Bateman.

Please read on for a brief review of Symbol, and to find out how you can win yourself a copy.

symbol-cover

From the preface: “The idea behind the book is to explore the visual language of symbols according to its most basic element: form.”

To achieve this, the authors have compiled 1300+ symbols from all over the world, from different times and purposes, and have categorised them simply by visual type — abstract and representational. Within those categories they have broken the symbols down into smaller subsets, for example; circles, polygons, trees, architecture, etc. The aim being to strip the symbols of their associated meanings, so that the viewer can assess the “effectiveness of their composition.”

symbol-introduction

The book starts with a 5 page introduction, giving some background on the meaning of different symbols, and also the role they play in branding and corporate identity. It’s very informative, but reads a little too much like a text book for my liking. It could just be that I have a short attention span, so don’t let that deter you too much.

The introduction does contain a brilliant quote by Alan Fletcher (Reuters and Victoria and Albert Museum identity designer):

Commercial symbols are like people. Some are reasonably put together but lack personality, others are aggressive, or pompous, or merely unpleasant. Occasionally one encounters an interesting character. Whatever the case, to be effective, a trademark must meet a set of criteria: the utilitarian values of being relevant, appropriate and practical and the intangible qualities of being memorable and distinctive; and that something extra, the visual tweak which creates a unique personality.

Wise words, from a very wise man.

symbol-transport-london

inside-symbol-book

The layout of the book is excellent – it’s a visual delight actually. Simple, clean and straight to the point.

symbol-deutsche-bank

Punctuating each subsection of the book is a brief case study, which provides a more in-depth look at how a particular symbol came to be.

Case studies include: Transport for London (above), Deutsche Bank (above), Continental Airlines, Nike, Munich Olympics (below), Apple, Shell, and CBS, just to name a few.

inside-symbol-book-3

As the symbols have been disassociated from their meaning, it challenges the reader to interpret each symbol for what it is. It makes you think, which is something that I particularly enjoyed.

Each symbol is also indexed by a number, referencing basic information such as: designer, country, year created and a brief description.

symbol-munich-olympics

inside-symbol-book-2

Overall, Symbol is an excellent book that I can highly recommend for anyone interested in brand identity design.

It’s comprehensive, informative, and is a book that you will go back to over the years for inspiration.

A worthy addtion to any designers library.

In conclusion, buy it.

Symbol Book Giveaway

I loved this book so much that I have decided to give away 3 copies to our readers.

To enter the giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment below and retweet this post.

Also, if you haven’t already, please also sign up for free updates via email/RSS, and Like Logobird on Facebook.

Winners will be announced next Friday, 17th June 2011.

Good luck!

Tags: Book, Giveaway, Identity, Logos, Review, Symbol | Categories: Giveaways, Logo Design

http://twitter.com/logorado Nadir Balcikli

Wow! Great book! I would love to have it.
http://twitter.com/dcalonaci Dario Calonaci

I want it!
So I’ll get really better at my logo design!
http://twitter.com/BillSKenney Bill S Kenney

Would love to win that…..I am in
http://twitter.com/aldricht Aldrich Tan

wow this looks like an AMAZING book… definitely on my wishlist!
http://www.facebook.com/brandclay Sean Farrell

I’ve been wanting this one for a while – Looks pretty similar to ‘Logo’
http://twitter.com/chozya 4039

well, this is a totally great book and i will be proud of having one in my library.
can’t tell how inspiring it can be for me!
http://twitter.com/apaulson Andrew Paulson

been looking for a new logo book and maybe this is it!
http://twitter.com/thomasheylen Thomas Heylen

I want this!
http://twitter.com/mikewrogers Mike Rogers

A must have for sure.
http://twitter.com/Larkef Jord Riekwel

Looks epic.
http://twitter.com/jakedugard jakedugard

I’LL TAKE IT!
http://twitter.com/ABermudezF Andres Bermudez

Wow, That’s a great book, I’ve meant to look for it for a while and just saw this tweeted!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed!
http://twitter.com/svenpeeters Sven Peeters

Looks awesome!
http://twitter.com/happyidiots Happy Idiot

**fingers crossed**
http://twitter.com/LukeRitchie Luke Ritchie

Looks interesting, and comprehensive. Munich Olympics identity is a WIN
Heidi Gunvaldson

Looks like an amazing book! I’m a collector myself and always on the prowl for a good resource in my library.
http://twitter.com/KyleChicoine Kyle Chicoine

Looks great! I’ll enter for a chance to win a copy! Thanks!
http://twitter.com/HiEmil Emil Bonsaksen

If I don’t win one, I’m going to buy one, looks like an immensly great resource for everything Symbol.
Anonymous

Amazing!! I hope I can win it
http://twitter.com/TressleyCahill Tressley Cahill

I’ve been after this book for a while!
http://twitter.com/patlotta Patrick Filewood

Gimmie gimmie gimmie!!
http://twitter.com/abcr8iv adam becker

Hey, this looks awesome, great review. Would definitely enjoy the read.
http://twitter.com/callmetwan Anthony Garritano

This is beautiful!
Lance

beautiful book!
http://twitter.com/600film 600film

Inspiring.
http://www.madebycube.com/ Stephen Kistner

Nice review! I’m definitely adding this to my summer reading list, and I might be lucky enough to win a free copy!
http://irvbriscoe.com Irving Briscoe

Would be great to have this book.
http://twitter.com/dwaseem Waseem Dahman

Amazing! This books is a must-have, I wish I can win a copy.
And Congrats in advance for the winners.
http://twitter.com/lin124c41 li-n124c41+

awesome!
http://twitter.com/brianburridge Brian Burridge

That looks gorgeous. Can’t wait to get my hands on it!
http://twitter.com/remkodijksma Remko Dijksma

As I mentioned in the retweet I would love to win because my school just doesn’t have decent books, and I trust you if say it’s great:))
http://twitter.com/MalavikaJadhav Malavika Jadhav

Been waiting to get my hands on this one! Looks very inspiring!
Cory Ottenwess

this look amazing! i would love a copy!
http://twitter.com/exiledalex Alex Toth

I would love to add this to my library. If I am fortunate enough for you pick me, I won’t be mad at all.
http://twitter.com/saadcreative saadcreative

I’m in love with this book and would love to have it!!
http://jlofstedt.com/ Joachim

Looks stunning! I’d love to have one!
http://twitter.com/rensjansen Rens

Great book, would love to own a copy. Good luck everyone!
http://www.faberuna.com FaberUna

Oh, mylanta! I would love to win this!
http://twitter.com/HobbsJArt Justin Hobbs

I totally want one!!!!
http://twitter.com/mimosin8 Javier Lopez

amazed by the book, if I don’t win a copy I am buying it!
http://twitter.com/dompalmer Dominic Palmer

Mighty fine looking book. Would love to win a copy…
http://twitter.com/enjoytheshow marisa

inspired by just a simple scroll. pick me!
http://twitter.com/iamReedicus Brian Reed

Great to see this collection of Marks. Glad to see Morvil Advertising + Design representing.
http://twitter.com/iamReedicus Brian Reed

Great to see this collection of marks finally out. Glad to see Morvil Advertising + Design representing.
http://twitter.com/nategd Nathan Gomez

Most logo books as of late are too caught up with passing trends, but this looks very promising – thanks for the review!
http://twitter.com/aschneider15 Adam Schneider

This book looks amazing! Count me in!
http://twitter.com/zachhigginsis Zach Higgins

Oh my. I will likely be buying this book in the likely event that I don’t win.
http://twitter.com/culture_labs steven

looks good
http://twitter.com/JulianHrankov Julian Hrankov

Want.
Ciro William Iuliano

Looks like an absolute gem of a book, a graphical reference to complement a serious collection.
http://twitter.com/taylorkasony Taylor Kasony

Anything Pentagram is bound to be excellent. I caught wind of “Symbol” a few days ago and have been eager to get a copy; your review solidified the need for it to be in this student’s library!
http://twitter.com/keri_thornton Keri Thornton

Incredible! …I am quite the Angus Hyland fan!

Shame about your shipping problem, I had the same problem when I visited Strand bookstore in NY!
http://twitter.com/anitakim Anita Kim

Good to hear that your cross country move went well and you’re ready to go in your new office! Thank you so much for sharing your books with us Have fun gathering your new collection!
http://twitter.com/LBOI Sneh Roy

Looks amazing! This goes on my list to buy at Book Depository. Thnx for the review!
Kyle Read

This looks super thorough, I’m eager to get my hands on it!
Anonymous

Would be great to receive a copy of this. Looks amazing!
http://historymaker.co Chris Young

I’ve seen this book reviewed by a few other designers whose opinions I respect, which makes me think I should get a copy for me-self…
http://www.diigital.com Mike Healy

Really nice looking book; seems like the sort you could pick up at any random page and get something out of.
http://twitter.com/MikejpWalsh Michael Walsh

Looks like an excellent book, fantastic quote as well – hopefully it will be in my university library when I return – and if lucky, mine!
http://twitter.com/stgough Sam Gough

This looks great, will have to get myself a copy soon unless I’m one of the lucky sods who wins a copy
http://twitter.com/AntidoteCr8tive Andrew Munro

Looks great, count me in
http://twitter.com/randm_panda Paul Andrew

Great little review for a fantastic looking book!! Instantly added to my wishlist!!
tako

Looks like it will have a lot of great info inside. A must have!
I RTed it on my Twitter
AVKreative

Yes, would love, love a copy!!
http://www.psdesignuk.com/ psdesignuk

Great giveaway, good luck to everyone!
http://twitter.com/mark_kane mark kane

I would love this, more than anyone else.

Honest. I love you.
http://twitter.com/bootmegood christian dunn

i’d definitely love one. duh doi!
http://twitter.com/superfungo eric uchalik

Looks fantastic
http://twitter.com/robctorres Roberto Torres

Sounds like an awesome book. Would definitely love a copy!!!!
http://twitter.com/jvgreenaway James Greenaway

If I don’t win, I will be purchasing!
http://twitter.com/LukeSF LukeSF

Read great reviews on the book… Would be cool to get it for a personal estimate, though I bet it’s a real must have for any graphic designer…
http://twitter.com/avrilmckinley Avril Mc Kinley

Looks amazing! I wish I had this book
http://twitter.com/_RGBabeldom Trevor Morris

Such an awesome book.
Had about 4 people recommend I purchase it.. be nice to win one though hint hint.
http://twitter.com/joeshouldice Joe Shouldice

giddyup.
http://twitter.com/thecharlieindex charlie apps

Have only just started my own collection.
Lucky for you there are plenty of good bookstores in London.
Try not to spend too much
http://twitter.com/MarkJonesy Mark Jones

Definitely WANT! Will be great next to Michael Evamy’s Logo Book.
http://twitter.com/garrettbolin Garrett Bolin

Oooh! Definitely need a copy!
http://twitter.com/jdearmond Jason DeArmond

I was curious abou this book. Thanks for the review.
Nicola Black

Looks incredible! Would love to add it to my collection!
http://twitter.com/SerdarOzyigit Serdar Ozyigit

Laurence King is one of my very favorite graphic books publisher. (The other one is lovely Die Gestalten Verlag of Germany) I have the Logo book of LK, and pretty excited to have a Symbol one, especially if it is a giveaway one Thank you for this opportunity Logobird!
Hugo

I like it, you can’t have to many logo books…
I will make some space in my bookcase
(O yes, I WANT THAT COPY!!!!!! :-O
http://twitter.com/nzjared Jared Trice

Great looking resource for getting those creative juices flowing. Can be quite hard to find this type of book in NZ…
Dan Ensor

Looks like a great book, would love to win a copy!
http://twitter.com/JustinAmphlett Justin Amphlett

The book looks lovely, certainly going on my wantlist. My only comment would be that whilst getting people to retweet the post is a great idea, asking that they comment as well in order to win a copy means your replies are mostly filled with spammy vacuous posts. It makes finding the meaningful comments that much harder.
http://blog.mickstatham.com mick statham

You can always rely on Laurence King Publishing to produce fine books and this is no exception. And a great review from Logobird, as awlays.
http://twitter.com/ppedott Paulo Pedott

Wonderful piece! I’d love to have one!
Anonymous

This book looks amazing! “Commercial symbols are like people. Some are reasonably put together but lack personality, others are aggressive, or pompous, or merely
unpleasant.”
Bryan Hintz

great post.
http://twitter.com/josephmoney Joe Money

SWEET! Just what I’ve been looking for. This is a good addition to anyone’s design quiver.
http://twitter.com/MrHalliburton Brandon Halliburton

Sweet!
http://twitter.com/gilliangoldie Gillian Goldie

I think I love this book!
http://twitter.com/BohemianFaerie La Fée Bohème

A great idea! I love books like this!
kb_design

I would LOVE a copy of this book! Please enter me in the giveaway!
Benjamin Gaydos

This Book looks mighty fine. I would love to have one I could call mine.
Christopher Magruder

I’d love to add this one to my collection.
Thanks!
Christopher
Olgalucia

I love this book! Really hope I could win it! I am from Colombia SouthAmerica! And I follow u guys daily!!!
matt_yow

This book sounds like an awesome addition to anyone’s design library.
Robin Clegg

Looks like an indispensable book for any designer. I would love to have a copy!
http://twitter.com/paulkegelnl Paul Kegel

Great book for inspiration for every designer a must have!!
http://twitter.com/DMostad Dana Mostad

Looks like an excellent resource to have in the library.
http://twitter.com/4ransom Sean Ransom Smith

If I don’t win one, I’ll def invest in one!
http://twitter.com/aalexa101 Alexandra Cerovac

It woud be absolutely GREAT to have this in the library!! – thanks for the opportunity to win one, it is much appreciated.

Kind regards
Alexandra

RT:
http://twitter.com/#!/aalexa101/statuses/79103649363673089
Anonymous

Would love to win.
Jessica

I would love to win this book!! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Jorge Calleja

me wants
http://jmillgraphics.com J-Mill

Wow I would love this book! I want to build a great branding library, it’s just getting all the right books is tough hehe.
Steve

Looks like a brilliant book. Good luck to everyone.
http://twitter.com/pausedesign Jovan Petrić

Great giveaway Duane. It is always nice to have a good and informative book to read
http://twitter.com/aguering Anderson Guering

Me loves design books.
http://twitter.com/aguering Anderson Guering

Me loves design books.
http://twitter.com/WebGardenLife Kiki K.

Thank you for the opportunity to win this great book! I wish you a great start in London!
Anonymous

Looks great Duane – very much like Logo by Michael Evamy! Good stuff. Would love to win a copy!
Franco Averta

Awesome! I was a bout to buy the book but I may get lucky!. Thanks!!!
http://twitter.com/anythinggraphic Kevin Donnigan

This is awesome! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of such a great book
http://twitter.com/blackduckinc Black Duck

Being aware of brand identity design in a more than superficial manner is very important for apparel decorators, in my mind. Though we may often be called upon to reproduce what a designer has created, the need to interpret those designs into our media requires us to tease out the essence of what can and can’t be changed in any given design. I’d love to read this book to expand my own insights.
http://www.sdxmedia.com/ Stephen Dyson

A Great addition to anyone’s inspiration library and collection. Would love to add it to mine.

Tweet will be done under @SDX_media handle.
http://twitter.com/TheNutz TheNutz

This is on my wishlist. Make it happen
http://twitter.com/peggylab peggylab

Had my eye on this book! Mr Hyland is a legend. Fingers crossed.
http://twitter.com/Jilly_Pepper Jilly Clark

Hope this is a sign (pardon the pun) - would sit very happily next to my copy of ‘logo’
http://twitter.com/markbowley Mark Bowley

The book looks like a feast for lovers of visual language…
http://twitter.com/Jilly_Pepper Jilly Clark

symbol would sit very comfortaby with its sister publication ‘logo’ on my bookshelf!
Alok Gavhane

This is just gr8. I hope “Symbol” is available in Indian market too, otherwise wining a copy is the only option. Would love to have it in my collection.
Robin Narayan

This is a fascinating complilation of the iconic, day to day and inspiring Logos. A superb publication
Sera Holland

i would <3 a copy of this book to have @ home to * in my collection & inspire me daily : )

(there are only so many symbols on a keyboard!)
Anonymous

Just another great title to have in your collection for sure. As I am about to begin my pHd in creative cultures and semiotics, it will surely be a kick start on my research!
http://twitter.com/hybridxpression Hybrid Expression

I really admire that you made the big move from Australia to London. What an awesome experience. Good luck and have fun exploring the book sores for your new collection.
http://twitter.com/gariphic Gary Holmes

Want.Need. Added to wish list, but free is always best. Thanks for post.
http://twitter.com/jaykeefe Jay Keefe

A Lobby Vent Database, Snugly Men Hymns
http://twitter.com/jaykeefe Jay Keefe

A Lobby Vent Database, Snugly Men Hymns
http://twitter.com/MM_4D 4D

Looks like a really informative and inspirational book. Thanks for doing this.
http://twitter.com/Scanfy Elena Scanferla

I’m mad for it! I think it’s a great book to learn much about logos, I loved how Hyland explained the logos in the cnference, I can’t imagine how inspiring could be the book!!!! #symboltalk
http://twitter.com/spikebachman Spike Bachman

I hear from a friend that one or more of my marks are in this book. I hope I win a copy so I can find out!
Kirsty Curnow

logobird people – u are too awesome for words. thanks always for your awesomeness.
http://twitter.com/BradBlackman Brad Blackman

As someone who is doing more and more logos lately, this would be an invaluable inspiration and reference tool!
http://twitter.com/monoclemonkey Eric Johnson

How can I lose? Comment – check. Retweet – check.
http://twitter.com/sdidonato Stephen Di Donato

I have been required to do focus more on identity and branding for the good part of this year. This book looks wonderful, with detailed information. I would love to own this book.
http://twitter.com/TheRigo Richard Gonzales

Very cool book, would be perfect for my inspiration shelf!
Beckycouto

Wow! I love it!! *_* So, I can’t find it here in Spain… Will I be the lucky girl? <3
http://twitter.com/sorianomarcio Marcio Soriano

Man… i just got to know this! I want it!!!
Thomas Dixneuf

I work often on brand for clients and my company and it’s not always
easy to do it. This book could be a great help for inspiration, learn
different methods of work and analyse

That’s nice to organize this game for give away “Symbol” ! Thanks ! (and more thanks if i win :p )
Joce

Thanks Duane & Natalie… sound like a great book for my collection. I am a logo lover. Hope I win it
http://twitter.com/nsteffen nicole steffen

I practically smell the fresh smell of ink on paper from here. It’s so pretty and, so full of awesomeness.
Lee Wai Kiu

I have read this book before and I found it very cool!