Hail to the Victore

Treat yourself to 224 pages of inspiration by picking up a copy of Victore or, Who Died and Made You Boss? (Abrams), the first book from creative iconoclast James Victore. The self-taught designer and faculty member at New York's School of Visual Arts helms what he describes as "an independent design studio hell-bent on world domination," and here he offers up characteristically raw impressions on the practice, business, and teaching of graphic design. Opening with an inspired introduction by Michael Bierut, the book offers a guided tour through the "sexy, strong, and memorable" work that has made Victore's work instantly recognizable, whether plastered on Manhattan lightposts or artfully merchandised in one of Yohji Yamamoto's gallery-like stores. "Posters, book jackets, and stamps are all the same to me," Victore said in a recent interview. "Formats change, but the visual impact and clarity I seek is always the same."