Identity Programs by Noel Martin [Promotional Booklet]

Identity Programs by Noel Martin, c. mid-to-late 1970s. Self-published, Ohio, USA. 9 x 10, pp. 28 plus covers. Offset Lithography by Young & Klein, Inc. with typesetting by Craftsman Type and Colorcast Cover stock by Champion Papers.

An excellent production and design by Noel Martin (1922–2009); the self-taught graphic designer and typographer, painter and educator who practiced primarily in Cincinnati and is celebrated for his museum graphics (invitations, catalogs, posters) at Cincinnati Art Museum and Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center. Martin is also influential for introducing modern Swiss graphic design to American audiences.

Rare. A wire-o bound promotional booklet featuring (21) minimalist and modernist marks and logos for a variety of U.S. clients (Cincinnati, Detroit, Chicago, New York, etc.) including but not limited to: Xomox Corporation, Ohio Arts Council, Black-Clawson, American Envelope, Contemporary Arts Center, Champion Papers, Westab Inc., Gold Circle, Xact Company, Tufline, Advance Mortgage Corporation and others. 

From the short introductory text by Noel Martin: “Whatever success one finds in this work comes from a very close working relationship. The fewer people involved, the better.” Furthermore, “good solutions come about after much thought, hard work and require time. Before the designer starts he must be aware of what is needed. The client can offer that clue.”

A nearly fine promotional booklet with only a hint of wear to the cover edges and a tiny crease to the back cover corner near the spiral binding; all minor. Printed in an unknown quantity yet presumed to be small.