At ArtCenter, each student receives a unique education. Reflecting that experience was the driving force behind the design of our 2019–2020 viewbook for prospective students. For this edition of the college’s biannual, two-volume publication, we combined time-honored craft with cutting-edge technology to design a system that configured (and reconfigured) modules to generate 40,500 unique covers. Each permutation of the digitally printed cover was identified with a serial number on the front cover and spine. The modules were inspired by modernist Alvin Lustig—who taught at ArtCenter a half-century ago—and his proposal of using timeless geometric shapes to create complex patterns.
From the Judges
The ArtCenter College of Design embraced its history and reputation by putting work inspired by renowned Modernist--and one-time faculty member--Alvin Lustig on the cover of its viewbook. Better still, each cover was a unique piece, created from an algorithm that made 40,500 unique covers. ArtCenter promised that this idea was borne of its desire to convey the “unique education” each student receives. Throughout this bright, weighty, and thoroughly modern perfect-bound book, ArtCenter puts its students’ work front and center. “We learn by making,” the book promises. ArtCenter is “like a conservatory for inspiring performing artists.” The school’s mission, along with a strong sense of possibility and excitement, are evident from the beginning, and the many examples of beautifully printed student artwork convey this sense, page after page.
