Pentagram Marks
Pentagram: Marks — 400 Symbols and Logotypes — is available for purchase in a limited edition print of 1,000 copies.
Published by Laurence King, Pentagram: Marks serves as a logo gallery for what is perhaps the most respected design agency on the planet. Logos are displayed in black and white, to focus on the “unique pictorial or abstract symbols”, and each has been allocated a separate page.
Five bookmarking ribbons are sown into the spine, which makes it easy to keep your favourite designs close-at-hand. My only regret is that there aren’t more!
The 2wice logo, from 1997, identifies the visual and performing arts magazine that’s published twice a year.
Above-right is the D&AD logo from 1962, for the international association that represents the creative, design and advertising industries.
The Curious Pictures logo was designed in 1993 for a mixed media, live action, animation and computer graphics studio.
Above-left is the Fine Line Features logo, created in 1991 for the film production company.
The Fashion Center logo identifies the business improvement district that encourages the development of New York’s Garment District.
The cover price is £38 (USD $54), but the book (if available, and for UK customers) can be purchased here on Amazon.co.uk for £26.59 (USD $37.50).
For US customers, the price is $40.95 here on Amazon.com.
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26 appreciated comments, click here to add one
Alex Charchar
It looks fantastic, doesn’t it?
I just wish the australian dollar wasn’t so crappy at the moment, especially because of the limited run. I wonder how long 1,000 copies will last
Alex Charchar’s last blog post…Links: Ceramic Letters & Flowers
Mar 8th, 2009
Josh
I’ve already preordered it. I’m not taking my chances on it being sold out.
Mar 8th, 2009
Rob Russo
Silly budgets and bad economy!? (I would love to add this to my library…)
Mar 8th, 2009
Tom Sinclair
Checked out Amazon.co.uk and says temporarily unavailable, hopefully they haven’t sold out as I’d love to grab a copy of this!
Mar 8th, 2009
Panasit Ch
Cool. But do they show the logos being used? I remember browsing through their portfolio and I didn’t “get” some of them until I see the marks in action. Lucky Fish’s and MICA’s identities were the two off the top of my head. The marks themselves were so-so, but when I saw how they were used, I was like.. WOW!.
But still, looks like a great book. Must. Buy. It.
Mar 8th, 2009
Jacob Cass
A real limited run, only 1000? And I am with Alex, the Aus economy doesn’t work great when having to buy overseas but it is great the other way around.
Mar 9th, 2009
Chris
38pounds is a steal for a limited edition, but as mentioned above, Amazon seem to have run out.
I would love to see a post on the best design related book’s a newbie (or experienced) designer should have on their shelves (In you’re opinion, David).
Chris’s last blog post…The best street food I’ve ever had
Mar 9th, 2009
David Airey
Alex,
I can imagine there being a re-print, as if the initial run isn’t already sold-out, I’ll eat my hat.
Panasit,
The book continues just like you see in my photos. You’ll have to check the Pentagram blog / website for contextual imagery.
Chris,
That’s a nice idea, thanks, and one I’ve been considering for a while now.
Cheers everyone.
Mar 9th, 2009
David Morin
All right David, you just made spend $40 ;)
I really love Curious Pictures Logo…. I can’t wait to see what else is in the book.
Cheers!
David Morin’s last blog post…New Upates: The Fifty Dollar Logo Experiment
Mar 9th, 2009
Matt Fouty
I saw this on pentagram’s blog and it was appealing. Like many here though I’m on the fence. Amazon.com (US) still shows it as pre-release. Does anyone know when it will be released?
Mar 9th, 2009
JZ
Thanks for sharing, David. I saw the story on New @ Pentagram last week. I love Pentagram most. :) And the book is a must for all graphic designers. But I’m still pondering if I can shell out some checks to buy it due to a gloomy economy.
Mar 10th, 2009
David Airey
David,
The Curious Pictures logo has been a favourite of mine for some time now. Great idea.
Matt,
Not sure when the US release date is, sorry.
JZ,
No worries at all, bud.
Mar 10th, 2009
Abbas
I’m suprised actually as that looks quite a small book. Either that or you’ve got really big hands David.
Loving the simplicity of it, that’s what all logo showcase books should look like.
I’d love to add it to my collection but I fear I may be too late.
Mar 10th, 2009
David Airey
Abbas,
The dimensions surprised me too, as I thought it’d be a little bigger. That said, everything seems smaller when you’re a giant. ;)
Mar 10th, 2009
Antonio
Pentagram are one of the only studios that can get away with a book like this (not showing the process or the logos in a real environment), as the marks themselves are a beauty.
It’s supposed to go on sale in the US and Europe someday in the beginning of March, so I’m guessing pretty soon. I’ve already pre-ordered mine and can’t wait.
Antonio’s last blog post…Seguimos vivos
Mar 10th, 2009
Martin
Panasit Ch
This is the thing about Penatgram that bugs me: an identity should be strong enough to stand on it’s own with nothing else needed to help people ‘get it’. Using an identity across a wide range of materials and uses should enhance what is already a strong marque, not make up for it being distinctly average. I agree with a previous poster on the previous article – I’d love to know who sells to the client for Pentagram because I think they get away with some ‘not-good-enough-for-their-fee-and-reputation’ identities.
Mar 12th, 2009
Jeremy Kratz
Preordered. Done. Probably the fastest I’ve bought something in a while.
The multiple book ribbons are a nice touch. Very elegant.
Thanks for this post David!
Mar 17th, 2009
David Airey
You’re very welcome, Jeremy. I hope it’s not too long before your copy arrives (likewise for you, Antonio).
Cheers.
Mar 17th, 2009
Brian Nelson
I live in the US and ordered directly from Laurence King publishing. Can anyone who has this check to see if their copy has the page with ProVen and Profile Partners logos upside down? I noticed that while browsing through my copy and wanted to know if it was a widespread issue or just my copy.
Mar 26th, 2009
Dom
I love b/w logos! They burn in your brain like an Early 80′s Video Game! They’re fun to create too!
Apr 2nd, 2009
David Airey
Hi Brian,
My copy’s fine.
Apr 11th, 2009
Matt Kump
Wow, people are trying to sell these for $1000 US or £600!
Thankfully, there was one new copy left on Amazon Canada, which I just scooped up for $60.
I love that I live here. Couldn’t find a copy anywhere else.
May 5th, 2009
Amey
Harry Pearce gave it to me yesterday at their London office :)
May 20th, 2009
*kk
Hi,
This book looks lika a must have, but the price…. 700 dollars is way too much! Anyone knows where to get it cheaper??
Feb 21st, 2010
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