Lars Lawson is the owner of Timber Design Company and is an award-winning graphic designer with a roster of national and international clients. You may be familiar with some of his work if you frequent Hubbard & Cravens, or New Day meadery. Lawson has also generously contributed his talents to a number of issues of PATTERN magazine.
Print // Communication Arts
These magazines are like Bibles to me. I look forward to receiving them every time they arrive. I pour over them, study everything I see, and learn constantly about what is new, what is creative, and what is successful. I value them. I’m inspired by them. Most importantly, I am challenged by them. And it’s always fun to see my peers (or myself) featured. They are always sitting out… or strewn across my office.
Ancient Skies: Ancient Trees
BETH MOON
A gift from a friend, who apparently knows me well. A picture book combining the love of nature with photography & design. It features old growth trees from around the globe against beautiful night skies filled with stars. The images are mysterious and captivating.
Art : Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary
FORWARD BY ROSS KING
A good, old-fashioned, classic reference book. Every good designer needs one. Handy for research & historical insight… and grounding. Education at its best.
Inspirability: 40 Top Designers Speak Out About What Inspires
PASH
Forty top designers speak out about what inspires. For me, this book conveys commonality & diversity at the same time. It’s taught me that all great designers have some key things in common, while at the same time bring a unique history of life experiences and perspectives to the playing field. It’s fun. It’s personal. It’s inspiring.
Cabin Porn: Inspiration for your Quiet Place Somewhere
EDITED BY ZACH KLEIN
“An invitation to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the beauty and serenity that happens when nature meets simple construction.”
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't
JIM COLLINS
This book taught me much about success as a designer. It taught me the difference between good & great, and that excellence is a habit of hard work, not just a single act.
It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be
PAUL ARDEN
Great little book full of brief scenarios and solutions to facing the challenges of creativity & every day working relationships.
50 Best Logos Ever: The Definitive Guide to the Worlds Greatest Logos
VARIOUS
A panel of six leading identity designers from throughout the industry select & rank some of the best logos of all time. It’s a fascinating reference book.
Chasing the Light Grand Canyon // Grand Canyon National Park: Past and Present
ADAM SCHALLAU // SUZANNE SILVERTHORN & I-TING CHIANG
I’ve just returned from (one hell of) an amazing trip out west to see the Grand Canyon for the first time. I spent a week there hiking the canyon. I took over 1,000 photos. I was refreshed, moved & inspired in more ways than I could have ever imagined, or can begin to explain. Nature, to me, is the greatest inspirer. The trip was surprisingly emotional. My head and my heart are full with the creative power of the world in which we live.
