The desire to own and run a studio is part of the graphic designer’s DNA: it’s a rare designer who hasn’t contemplated setting up his or her own studio. Even amongst studio owners there is a perpetual hunger to know how ‘others do it.’
But where does the curious designer go for insight into how studios are run and developed? The studio is a neglected subject in graphic design commentary and literature. And it’s even rarer to hear designers talk publicly about the ways in which they run and develop their studios. Until now, that is.

Studio Culture provides a unique glimpse into the inner workings of 28 leading graphic design studios. In a series of penetrating interviews, the secret life of the studio is revealed, and the mechanics of building and maintaining a vibrant studio culture are laid bare with disarming frankness. Studio Culture’s editors Tony Brook and Adrian Shaughnessy conduct penetrating interviews with the founders of landmark international design studios of all sizes and producing all kinds of work. The book contains pictures of the interviewees’ studios, as well as examples of their work.

Studio Culture is a book for both seasoned professionals who have been running studios for years, and for idealistic designers contemplating starting up. It is the complete guide to creating, maintaining and growing a studio culture.

The editors:

TONY BROOK is a highly respected graphic designer. He is creative director and founder of design company Spin, the innovative multidisciplinary London studio with clients such as Channel 4, Nike and ICA. The studio has won countless awards, and has designed numerous books and publications. Brook has designed, edited and published the successful Spin series of publications. He is president of the UK chapter of AGI, and is a recognized collector of graphic design artefacts. He lectures extensively around the world.

ADRIAN SHAUGHNESSY co-founded the design studio Intro. In 2003 he left to pursue a career as an independent art director and writer. He has written, edited and designed numerous books including How to be a Graphic Designer
Without Losing Your Soul. He writes for all the leading design magazines, and is a contributor to Design Observer, the world’s most widely read design blog. He was founding editor of Varoom magazine from 2006-2009, and hosts a radio show called Graphic Design on the Radio. He is a frequent lecturer and has been interviewed on radio and TV.

DESIGNERS:
SPIN
FOREWORD:
BEN BOS
INTRODUCTION:
ADRIAN SHAUGHNESSY