Karlssonwilker Inc.'s Tellmewhy: The First 24 Months of a New York Design Company

by Clare Jacobson, Jan Wilker, Hjalti Karlsson

Why would two talented and employable young graphic designers start up their own practice without any clients, in the midst of a recession, and in a city brimming with world-renowned designers? Karlssonwilker inc.'s tellmewhy is the improbable story of such a venture -- or act of bravura or insanity -- on the part of Hjalti Karlsson and Jan Wilker, and offers a telling, humorous, and always human insight into the workings of a young startup design...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1568984162
• ISBN13: 9781568984162
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

A graphic design book that doesn't take itself seriously?

I haven't been able to put this book down all day. I brushed my teeth with it, took a shower with it, spilled my morning coffee on it, almost passed a red light while reading it. "Tellmewhy" captures the true spirit of creativity and the struggles of two people to stay original in a society that endorses "safe" graphic design. I highly recommend this book... oh, and say hi to Hjalti's mom.

buy this book

This book belongs between TIBOR and MADE YOU LOOK. One on the funniest and smartest books on design there is. Period.

Humor, wit and extremely good design? what else do you want?

"Tellmewhy" is essential for any graphic designer, chock full of beautifully designed pieces the small studio did in their first 24 months of opening. Karlssonwilker tell us everything, from the most used words in the office to the studio's favorite lunch time drinks - complete with detailed graphs and charts. It's refreshing to see all the humor included, a much needed and appreciated change for a design monograph. Buy this book, you'll thank yourself later.