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Book List of the Week: Deborah Sussman (1931-2014)

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"Literature and poetry, especially by and about women, have been a lifelong passion. While not directed specifically at the 'design' profession, these books have informed and influenced my imagination, mind and soul."

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We salute graphic designer Deborah Sussman (1931–2014), who passed away last week, with a look at the books that inspired the colorful designer of the colorful and distinctive environmental graphics that became synonymous with Los Angeles and the California New Wave movement. The Brooklyn-born designer started out in the Eames office and went on to play a pioneering role for women in graphic design, famously creating the identity, with her firm, Sussman/Prezja, and The Jerde Partnership, for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Her book list first ran on Designers & Books in 2011 and includes lots of advice and pointed observations for readers:

Signage for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, created by the firm founded by Deborah Sussman and Paul Prejza, Sussman/Prejza, courtesy of Sussman/Prejza

On Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: “In case you haven’t yet read this, do so!”

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Deborah Sussman's Book List

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Deborah Sussman

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Deborah Sussman, graphic designer (1931-2014)

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