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Author
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Topic: NASA Graphics Standards Manual (2015 reissue)
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-01-2015 08:33 AM
   
collectSPACE Unearthing NASA's 'worm': Reissue of old manual celebrates retired NASA logoA 40-year-old book that gave rise to one of NASA's most iconic logos is being relaunched as a limited edition reprint on Kickstarter. The NASA Graphics Standards Manual, first published in January 1976, defined a new graphic identity for the U.S. space agency. As designed by Richard Danne and Bruce Blackburn, the guide introduced a stark logotype, on which the letters "N-A-S-A" were "reduced to their simplest form, replacing the red, white and blue circular emblem with the white block letters," as Danne's original introduction to the book described. ...now, two designers who grew up knowing the worm as the only symbol that represented NASA are seeking to reprint the Graphics Standards Manual, to honor what Danne and Blackburn achieved and to ensure that the legacy of the worm is preserved.  |
Go4Launch
Member Posts: 542
From: Seminole, Fla.
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 09-01-2015 04:17 PM
I have a copy of this manual, although without the original binder. It really is a lot of fun to look through as a great example of a largely-successful attempt to impose a uniform graphics program on a large and decentralized organization. I like the fact that the original binder holes will be shown.I also have a copy of the accompanying 16-page issuance booklet, The Manager's Guide to NASA Graphics Standards (NHB 1430.2), which provides some background for the change and stresses the importance of the effort. |
pupnik
Member Posts: 114
From: Maryland
Registered: Jan 2014
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posted 09-01-2015 07:29 PM
Still a lot of love out there for the worm it looks like. Not even a day in and it's already hit its goal. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-08-2015 04:14 PM
The Kickstarter is now over $660,000, having sold more than 6,000 copies.Meanwhile, NASA has posted a PDF for the Graphics Standards Manual. |
garyd2831
Member Posts: 640
From: Syracuse, New York, USA
Registered: Oct 2009
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posted 09-08-2015 08:48 PM
I have always loved the NASA worm logo as it represented a new era - the shuttle. I wish had stayed on the shuttle as the pre 1998 days. Understand the history of the meatball/vector, but I felt the shuttle was the future and the worm was the future. |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 09-12-2015 10:24 AM
Glad to see a PDF of this manual. But I am a bit confused. Truly was obviously not administrator in 1976. Why does his letter read like this is a new publication? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-12-2015 10:56 AM
The manual was updated by NASA over the course of its use between 1976 and 1992. NASA's PDF is a scan of a later edition of the book. The original version of that page, as seen here, was signed by James Fletcher. |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 09-12-2015 10:39 PM
They just changed the signature, but used the exact, same letter? I see they updated the shuttle page as well, from Columbia. |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 03-22-2016 09:41 PM
I received my book from this kickstarter yesterday. It is really beautiful! Make sure you open the foil package from the back. I almost cut mine open! |
JPSastro
Member Posts: 170
From: Tucson, Arizona
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-24-2016 04:25 PM
Also received my copy this morning. The silver Mylar protective sleeve is great. As mentioned it easily opens and reseals. The quality of the paper and reproduction is first rate. Well done.Well worth the wait and definitely a great addition to a serious collector of NASA memorabilia. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-25-2016 02:37 PM
My copy arrived this week as well. I thought for the benefit of others, I would share some photos of the unboxing (or unbagging as it were): 
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cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 03-25-2016 03:37 PM
I'll have the weekend to figure out how on Earth I managed to miss this one... (between $100 and $300 on eBay...) |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 03-28-2016 04:55 AM
Copies are available. Email the folks behind the project via Kickstarter. Ordered mine. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-28-2016 11:05 AM
Strand Books in New York is also offering copies signed by Richard Danne, who co-authored the NASA Graphics Standards Manual, in conjunction with a May 3 in-store event: Richard Danne, multi-award winning designer and former AIGA president, joins Pentagram's Michael Bierut (also former head of the AIGA) for a discussion of the exquisite reissue of his firm's 1974 NASA Graphics Standards Manual. Spearheaded by Jesse Reed and Hamish Smyth, also of Pentagram (and of the runaway Kickstarter hit reissue of Massimo Vignelli's legendary manual for the NYCTA), the reissue celebrates a lost era of American space exploration, featuring the notorious "worm" logo and iconic color schemes, all scanned and printed in beautiful Pantone color. Join these icons for a discussion of a bygone era, from the jumpsuits to the signage to the shuttles themselves. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-13-2016 01:31 PM
The NASA Graphics Standards Manual is now available for pre-order from the publishers. The books will begin shipping May 3. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 04-13-2016 01:42 PM
There will be a French version, if anyone is interested. |
NASAgoob
Member Posts: 96
From: Dallas, Texas, USA
Registered: Oct 2008
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posted 04-13-2016 03:10 PM
I just placed my order, by going with the Strand Books option. Save $3-5 and signed by Richard Danne. A WIN-WIN! 🙃
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 11-25-2016 11:17 AM
The team behind the re-release of the NASA Graphics Standards Manual has now released their next limited edition reprint, the "Official Symbol of The American Revolution Bicentennial: Guidelines for Authorized Usage; Official Graphics Standards Manual." The 1976 American Revolution Bicentennial symbol was the logo for America's 200th birthday party and a precursor to the NASA logo that Bruce Blackburn would design in 1974. From 1976 to 1998, a 110-foot-tall Bicentennial symbol adorned the side of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. |
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