Take a look at Ruder, Weigart’s work and Armin Hofmann for what Basle was all about in its heyday. I have no idea what goes on there now but I hear things have changed.

ChrisL

I don’t think that really helps dezcom.

It goes without saying that you should pick work that has a strong typo-graphic influence. I would suggest showing a diversity of ideas and directions and also be honest in picking work that you’re proud of and that reflects you.

I hope you don’t intend to come out a carbon-copy of these guys, as dezcom hints at. It’s about listening to their ideas and choosing what touches you, what doesn’t and how it can be appropriated into your own thoughts and methodology.

I would also say don’t be afraid to throw digital work into the equation. It’s about form and content — not imitative modernist print design or who’s the most ’swiss’.

Luke,
Don’t put words in my mouth.

ChrisL

I’m not interested in putting in anything that might go over especially well; I was really hoping for warnings about things that they just don’t want to see at all.

This should help

Seriously though, there is no more literature on this than that you “submit 10 pieces of work”.

I doubt they want to see 10 similar works, and doubt they’re looking for a generic applicant. Maybe take a risk on a few edgier piece.

I really like their site — weingart’s hand no doubt

Just be sure to tape a $100 bill to the back of the application form.

James,
If you end up going there, please say hello to William Shoerner for me. We have not seen eachother since the 1960s when we were in undergraduate school in Pittsburgh. Ask if he still sees Frank Vigliotti.

ChrisL

Dez I agree, Gestalt is a huge part of Basel and it would be to anyone’s advantage to show an understanding of that.

To be honest though I hadn’t studied Hofmann work/words, but I do know Arnheim very well. I’ll catch up on Hofmann in the weeks to come.

So yeah, don’t just grab works diverse in form and content - submit stuff that clearly demonstrates a technical acuity to communicate and the principles thereof.

Neil,
Hofmann was the master of integrated space, you will love his work.

ChrisL

clearly demonstrates a technical acuity to communicate and the principles thereof

that’s a given hiroshige