A Second Smile in the Mind

James was flicking through A Smile in the Mind yesterday, and we all got talking about how there hasn’t really been another book since, that has come close to ASitM in illustrating what graphic wit is. ASitM by Beryl McAlhone and David Stuart, was published in ‘96 and showcased the best, most witty work from the last century. But there has been tons of great work since then, that could have easily made it onto the pages, had the book been published later.

So we were thinking ‘A Second Smile in the Mind’ would make quite a nice follow up to the original, and include a new generation of agencies and designers who play with graphic wit in their work, Purpose, Johnson Banks and Daniel Eatock to name a few.

In 1996, 'digital' was still finding it's place and 'viral' meant something bad, so perhaps only exploring wit in graphic design is a much too narrow a view to take? Or, perhaps the world doesn't need another book, and this should be purely an online gallery?

If there were ever to be ‘A Second Smile in the Mind’, here are a few of the contenders we feel should go in:

Cock-a-doodle-do book by The Chase

Price Label Wrapping Paper by Daniel Eatock

Bolton Indian Cricket Club logo by Origin

Christmas Pudding Sacks by WKside for W + K

Eurostar 1st Class Catering by GBH

Fruit ‘n’ Veg stamps by Johnson Banks

We like the idea of extending it outside of graphic design and advertising.
The Marto money box by C.Quoi definitely made us smile.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on other work that you’d love to see make an appearance, should ‘A Second Smile in the Mind’ ever happen? If so, please leave a comment with your name, your chosen piece and if possible, a link to the work so everyone can see it.

Thanks.

Comments

[Sean]

http://www.tomballhatchet.com/hamstershredder.html

I do love office equipment and rodents though...

[Jake]

Business card for a personal trainer - Publicis, Toronto

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stiltes/310247540/in/set-72157594398885563/

[Guy]

I always liked Daniel Eatock's Utiltarian Greeting Cards.

http://www.eatock.com/project/utilitarian-greetig-cards/2/

300 Million – Logotype for the guild of food writers.
http://www.300million.com/

[Alex]

Great idea. The Chase also did a nice one for Pelham Street restaurant.

http://www.thechase.co.uk/portfolio/project.php?category=logos&project=7&pic=1

[Gray]

I love the simplicity of this clever book cover:

http://bp0.blogger.com/_nXknRDZBs0E/Rz0wFIDddkI/AAAAAAAABbs/V4zjQfdH_-U/s1600-h/small.jpg

[A Dance]

Anything by Hat Trick...!!!

I remember that Jim Sutherland's student work was even featured in the first one.

So when is the publishing date due???

[Ben]

Such a good idea. We were talking about this too — how about a dedicated blog to get things started? Some showcased projects and the stories behind the work? The daily wit. Wit wall. Musings on wit. Digital wit. Guest witterers. ‘The New Wit‘? Would be up for getting involved. I‘m a sucker for it as much as the next designer, but I think some wit would provide a refreshing contrast to the hyper-saturation of swiss-inspired eye candy currently dominating the design blogosphere. Good thoughting, Thoughtful.