The Story of Emoji

Dive into the fascinating world of communication with 'The Story of Emoji'. This captivating hardback book by Gavin Lucas explores the origins and evolution of emojis, the iconic symbols that have transformed the way we express ourselves in the digital age. With dimensions of 195 x 195 mm and a total of 192 pages, this beautifully designed publication is perfect for anyone interested in graphic design, digital culture, or the history of communication. Discover how emojis originated as a specialized character set for a Japanese mobile phone provider in the late 1990s and evolved into a global phenomenon that transcends language barriers. The book features an exclusive interview with Shigetaka Kurita, the visionary creator of emojis, providing readers with insider insights into the design process. Additionally, 'The Story of Emoji' offers a broader look at non-text typefaces, including the evolution of emoticons, ASCII art, and the aesthetic of kaomoji. With engaging illustrations and contributions from contemporary artists, designers, and graphic creators, this book highlights emoji's significant influence on modern culture and art. Whether you're a casual emoji user or a design enthusiast, 'The Story of Emoji' is a must-have addition to your collection. Uncover the joy and impact of these small pictographs in our lives today!

Author: Gavin Lucas Publisher: Prestel Publishing
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 195 x 195 mm
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 15-04-2016

If you have a Twitter account or regularly send text messages, it's highly likely that you've used or received emoji. These characters include symbols and pictograms that represent a host of everyday objects and activities plus, crucially, a selection of faces that denote a range of emotions from happy to sad, angry, confused, surprised or tired. The word 'emoji' literally translates from Japanese as 'picture' (e) and 'character' (moji). The Story of Emoji traces emoji from their origin as a symbol typeface created specifically for a Japanese mobile phone provider in the late 1990s to an international communication phenomenon. As well as a history of emoji and an interview with their creator, Shigetaka Kurita, the book includes an exploration of non-text typefaces, from the decorative fleurons of the early days of the printing press to the innumerable digital typefaces available today, to the use of emoticons, ASCII art, and kaomoji in typed messages. It also looks at an array of artworks, fashion lines, special character sets, advertisements, and projects that convey emoji's widespread impact on contemporary culture.Finally, the book concludes with a section for which a group of illustrators, artists, and graphic designers have created original emoji characters they wish existed, including bacon, a vinyl record, and even a 'stabbed-in-the-back' emoji.