Shortlisted for graphic design of the year at Dezeen Awards 2019, ArtCenter's 2019–2020 viewbook features a system that generates 40,500 unique covers created by configuring geometric modules inspired by Alvin Lustig.

At ArtCenter, each student receives a unique education. Reflecting that experience was the driving force behind the design of our 2019–2020 viewbook for prospective students. For this edition of the college’s biannual two-volume publication we combined time-honored craft with cutting edge technology to design a system that configured (and reconfigured) modules to generate 40,500 unique covers that form the letter A. Each permutation of the digitally printed cover was identified with a serial number on the front cover and spine. The modules were inspired by West Coast modernist Alvin Lustig— who taught at ArtCenter a half-century ago —and his proposal of using timeless geometric shapes to create complex patterns. Complementing this modular system is a grid that plays an active role throughout the offset printed text pages and a new, fixed-width monospace font created by alumnus Josh Finklea.

Designer: Brad Bartlett Design
Project: ArtCenter Viewbook