Marian Bantjes Pretty Pictures

A new book Marian Bantjes Pretty Pictures tells of how she has come to be known as one of the most precocious graphic design talents of the 21^st Century.

She works internationally from a cabin on Bowen Island off Canada’s Pacific coast, near Vancouver.

This monograph is a reflection of her total output as a designer, artist, illustrator, typographer and writer. Needless to say she’s written and designed it.

In the book she reveals the source of her inspirations and how she arrives at design solutions and works out complex compositional challenges.

It’s a very luxurious tome, which chronologically charts Bantjes’ career, beginning with her work as a typesetter before experimenting with digital technologies and analogue materials.

Texture and detail are brought to life on these pages, and there’s a wit and humble self-deprecation to the way she writes, which should chime with a UK audience.

Bantjes says, ‘Many of the people who are interested in my work are at the beginning of their careers, and I want them to see the progress and changeability of my work over time.

‘As well, by including everything, from the good to mediocre to bad, I want to give some hope to people who struggle. There is trial and error, achievements and disappointments, both in myself, the process and in clients. It’s a tale of triumph and heartbreak.’

Marian Bantjes Pretty Pictures is written and designed by Marian Bantjes and published by Thames & Hudson, priced £42.00