A book featuring over 500 CalArts posters from the past 40 years.

Many of the featured posters were not meant to function purely as posters but were produced as experimental works. Produced for a narrow audience, most of the posters have existed outside the mainstream, barely engaging with the visible canon of design. Often produced in small—even singular—editions, they also were produced outside the traditional designer/client relationship. The posters break rules, misbehave, and are sometimes an unruly mess. The collection reflects a belief that the creative process is as important as the product, and outlines a history of pedagogy at CalArts.

With essays by graphic designers Colin Frazer, Sarah Gottesdiener, Ian Lynam, Jennifer McKnight, and Louise Sandhaus.

Also include interviews with Mark Allen and Gail Swanlund; Kary Arimoto-Mercer and Shelley Stepp; Ed Fella, Jeffery Keedy, Lorraine Wild, and Michael Worthington; Yasmin Khan Gibson, Jérôme Saint-Loubert Bié, and Jon Sueda; Daniela Marx and Tuan Phan; Joe Prichard, Stuart Smith, Gail Swanlund, Scott Taylor, and Michael Worthington.

Designed by Michael Worthington

Cover designs vary. Each book has one of 70 unique covers designed by CalArts students, alumni, and faculty

Published by MW Books, 2020

Softcover, 400 pages, full color, 7.25 × 10 inches