Parting It Out is a collection of essays spanning much of graphic design as it applies to aspects of contemporary culture—from the Olympics and typography, to Japan, Cuba, and sign painting. The volume collects writings by Ian Lynam published outside of the American graphic design press alongside previously unpublished writing, and is equal parts personal narrative, design criticism, design history and cultural study.

The essays are accompanied by undergraduate and postgraduate homework assignments used in Lynam's classroom in Tokyo, as well as a comprehensive reading list of suggested graphic design literature for graphic designers, educators, students, and enthusiasts.

Includes an introductory essay by W. David Marx (Néojaponisme), a collaboration with Randy Nakamura, and an essay by Chris Ro.

Ian Lynam is a graphic designer, design teacher and design critic based in Tokyo.

In English, with a short passage in Japanese

Published by Wordshape
First edition, 2015

256 pages, split fountain printing with eight spot colors, 6 × 8.25 inches

ISBN: 978-0-692-25165-2