Magma

I didn't manage to go to Magma, due to not having money to get to London at relatively short notice. However, I did spend about 40 minutes looking at book after book after book on their website, loving almost every single one.
I found a book called 'Symbol', which is a collection of over 1300 symbols, organized into groups and sub-groups according to their visual characteristics. It furthermore explains where these such symbols are appropriate, who there were designed for and designed by.
Another book I found was 'Handmade Graphics'. It talks about ways to re-think graphic design and get away from computers and living by the 'standard'. A hands on approach with 'low-tech materials and old school tools' this is exactly my sort of graphics!
However, the book I have subsequently bought is 'The Book Of Skulls'. It talks about the way in which a specific symbol has come to mean so much in so many different cultures.


'The skull is one of the most recognizable symbols of todays contemporary visual culture. Since its 1970s renaissance in the iconic album designs of bands such as the Grateful Dead, the skull has found its way into the visual vocabulary of urban life, adorning T-Shirts, badges and rock memorabilia as the ultimate symbol of anarchy and rebellion. Repurposed and recast by artists, illustrators and designers, it has become one of the most iconic cultural symbols of our time. In response to this cultural phenomenon, The Book of Skulls presents a cool visual guide to the skull, charting its rebirth through music and street fashion to become todays ultimate anti-establishment icon. From Black Sabbath to Cypress Hill, skater punk graffiti to Gothic tattoos, from high-couture to Hello Kitty and Dali to Damien Hirst, this book is the ultimate collection of cool and iconic skull motifs. Drawing together artwork from music, fashion, street art and graphic design The Book of Skulls is a celebration of one of todays most iconic cultural symbols.'

Tell me you don't want to read this book!?