Sappi Presents: QUINTESSENTIAL MAKER

Get to Know Dwiggins in Chicago

An American type designer, calligrapher and book designer, William Addison Dwiggins is often credited with coining the term “graphic designer.” Bruce Kennett, drawing from his new biography about the designer, will present an inspirational and exciting peek into W. A. Dwiggins’s work—all of it infused with the designer’s wit and joyful spirit. This design-driven historical subject matter is a joyful reminder of how designers can use their skills and voices to produce great work, inspire their colleagues and clients, embrace the unexpected and positively respond to challenges in our social and cultural climate. A man of his times, Dwiggins understood that humor and satire are effective vehicles for advocacy. Not only will you get a taste of this designer’s sense of humor, you’ll also see how Dwiggins, an educator at heart, maintained a fierce dedication to raising the standards of workmanship and design.

Bruce Kennett is a book designer, photographer and writer based in New Hampshire. In addition to his print work, Kennett designs exhibits and large photo-mural installations—aimed at “telling stories” in multi-dimensions. Kennett studied calligraphy and book design in Austria with Friedrich Neugebauer, and translated Neugebauer’s book, The Mystic Art of Written Forms, into English. He’s taught at the Art Institute of Boston, Northeastern University’s Graphic Arts Management Program, Center for Creative Imaging, the Rochester Institute of Technology and Maine Media Workshops. For 35 years Kennett has spoken frequently on W. A. Dwiggins and has recently publishedthe first comprehensive biography of the artist, W.A. Dwiggins: A Life in Design.

Kennett will have a limited number of books available for sale onsite. He’ll sign books after the presentation. If you already have a copy of the book be sure to bring it along. If you wish to purchase your book in advance you can do so here: https://shop.letterformarchive.org/products/w-a-dwiggins-a-life-in-design

One lucky winner will receive a copy of the book onsite (must be present to win).

Drinks and Appetizers ◦ 6PM
Presentation ◦ 7PM
Book Signing ◦ 8.15 – 8.45PM