Press Room
Letterform Archive Introduces New Publication: Alphabet City: The Unexpected Letterform Art of Michael Doret
Media Contact
Katie Peeler, [email protected], +1.415.223.2823
SAN FRANCISCO, California, August 6, 2024 — Letterform Archive Books is excited to announce the release of Growing Up in Alphabet City: The Unexpected Letterform Art of Michael Doret, a new book that provides a rare glimpse into the creative studio of an award-winning lettering artist and type designer. This unique visual autobiography traces the artistic journey of Michael Doret, known for his iconic work with brands such as Pixar, Time, Kiss, National Lampoon, the New York Knicks, Saturday Night Live, the Toronto Blue Jays, the L.A. Dodgers, and more.
Michael Doret’s work has shaped popular culture for more than fifty years, from magazine covers to sports team logos to film title graphics. His archive, which includes a wealth of recognizable original artwork, was donated to Letterform Archive in 2018 and is complemented by materials held at the Herb Lubalin Study Center at The Cooper Union. From these archives, Growing Up in Alphabet City was born to offer a look into the world of custom lettering and design, showcasing more than 600 images, including examples from Doret’s career as well as images of his influences, and tracing his path from 1950s Brooklyn to 2000s LA.
Throughout the publication, Doret offers an extensive look into the analog design process that defined his career—from initial pencil sketches to refined final art. The book includes detailed photo tutorials that reveal classic lettering techniques and showcase the meticulous craftsmanship behind pre-digital design. Through fold-out spreads and detailed captions, the book captures the essence of traditional design techniques and offers inspiration for contemporary designers who yearn for a connection to the tactile and human aspects of their craft.
The publication features:
- Extensive Visuals: Over 400 images of Doret’s work that document his creative evolution, including rough sketches, mechanicals, and final designs.
- In-Depth Tutorials: Step-by-step photo guides illustrating the traditional lettering process.
- Foreword by Nick Sherman: An introduction by type expert Nick Sherman, providing context and insight into Doret’s impact on the design world.
- Exclusive Cover Art: A newly commissioned cover by Michael Doret, reflecting his distinctive style.
Hardcover $60 | 10 × 10¾ inches | 328 pp (including 7 concertina fold-outs), 600 images | ISBN: 978-1736863329
About Letterform Archive
Founded in 2015, Letterform Archive is a non-profit center for preserving and sharing the history of the graphic arts. Letterform Archive Books produces exquisite titles based on its collection of more than 100,000 artifacts, as well as bold new books on design, type, and lettering. Distributed worldwide by D.A.P. (Distributed Arts Publishers), the Archive’s publications include Strikethrough: Typographic Messages of Protest, Bauhaus Typography at 100, Only on Saturday: The Wood Type Prints of Jack Stauffacher, The Complete Commercial Artist: Making Modern Design in Japan, 1928–1930,and Citizen Printer: Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. Learn more at letterformarchive.org/publishing.