{"id":87927,"date":"2025-08-22T05:04:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T05:04:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/87927\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T05:04:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T05:04:12","slug":"a-beloved-brick-and-mortar-william-stout-architectural-books-gets-a-modern-age-rebrand-print-magazine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/87927\/","title":{"rendered":"A Beloved Brick and Mortar, William Stout Architectural Books, Gets a Modern-Age Rebrand \u2013 PRINT Magazine"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 1974, William Stout Architectural Books<\/a> first opened its doors in San Francisco. The bookstore offered new and out-of-print books on architecture, design, and theory then, and that\u2019s precisely what they offer now, 50 years later. What Stout didn\u2019t have in the 1970s was a groovy brand identity reflective of their ethos and history, yet commensurate with the modern age. Thanks to the creative collective LoveFrom<\/a>, now they do.<\/p>\n

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As Stout Books\u2019 neighbor in Jackson Square, LoveFrom was an ideal partner on the project. LoveFrom also worked in collaboration with The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity<\/a> (Stout Books\u2019 owners as of 2022) and Chips<\/a> for the reimagined web experience that features updated design, improved functionality, and a curated selection of new arrivals.<\/p>\n

Stout Books\u2019 new visual identity from LoveFrom includes a logo that portrays the shop\u2019s history, a scalable content system for print and digital, and a toolkit so the bookshop team can use the identity creatively and consistently. The typography in the brand system was inspired by the original enamel Stout Books sign. LoveFrom\u2019s type designers created a custom typeface called LF Washington that\u2019s a geometric sans serif based on the sign\u2019s lettering. LoveFrom also worked with the illustrator Satoshi Hashimoto<\/a> to honor William Stout and to convey the warmth and character of the brick-and-mortar shop.<\/p>\n

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LoveFrom reflects on details of the project in responses to a few of our questions below. (Conversation edited lightly for length and clarity.)<\/p>\n

What was Stout\u2019s brief to LoveFrom for this rebrand? What were their goals for the look and feel of this next chapter?<\/p>\n

The brief was not a rebrand in the traditional sense, but rather the development of a toolkit to equip the store for the next 50 years. The aim was to honor and preserve the store\u2019s venerated DNA, while translating Stout\u2019s brick-and-mortar charm to the digital world.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What was LoveFrom\u2019s development process like for this project? I know there was an aspect of looking back into Stout\u2019s archives, including drawing inspiration from the original sign for the custom typeface.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The team drew inspiration from countless elements of the physical store and its history. From the experience of walking the neighbourhood, to the staff greeting you, and the iconic storefront signage. We were especially taken with the sign\u2019s typeface and its unique, almost Russian constructivist layout. We knew this font and its recognizably architectural spirit would be fundamental to our vision.<\/p>\n

What considerations went into LF Washington, the new logo, and the color palette?<\/p>\n

To begin the process, we asked Stout\u2019s namesake and longtime owner, Bill Stout, about the sign\u2019s design. Bill shared\u2014in a characteristically personal and unconventional explanation\u2014that the sign was created by a friend for the store\u2019s opening. We then dug into the typeface ourselves and, through our research, identified the font as Washington, designed by Russell Bean<\/a> in the 1970s.<\/p>\n

We appreciated the font\u2019s high overtures and noticed similarities to the more standardized Futura. Wanting to maintain the character of Washington\u2014whose spirit was reflective of the store itself\u2014we set out to create a hybrid typeface. Thus, LF Washington was born, merging the uppercase letters of Washington with the numerals of Futura. We love this new font for its architectural feel, as the letters fit together like ligatures.<\/p>\n

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For the color palette, we once again turned to the store\u2019s history for inspiration. While the studio appreciated Stout\u2019s classic use of black, white, and red aesthetic, we decided to expand the brand\u2019s palette to better translate the store\u2019s identity to the digital realm. We developed the palette inspired by color systems designed by architects like Jean Prouve and Le Corbusier.\u00a0<\/p>\n

When did the decision to bring illustration into the system arise? What was the collaboration with Satoshi Hashimoto like?<\/p>\n

To better convey the store\u2019s storied nature and callback to books themselves, we decided to incorporate illustration as a key design element. Knowing the project needed a mix of key images and character development, our thoughts almost immediately turned to Satoshi, inspired by his illustrations for Monocle Magazine<\/a>. Satoshi created dynamic illustrations of the Stout Books storefront that evolve with the seasons and even depict different scenes emulating real life. As a playful nod, they also included the Eames House Bird to honor the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity, which acquired the store in 2022.<\/p>\n

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Stout is not just a Jackson Square neighbor, but a wellspring of creative inspiration for us as designers and for other passionate people around the world.<\/p>\n

LoveFrom<\/p>\n

What aspect of this project are the Stout and LoveFrom teams proudest of?<\/p>\n

We\u2019re most proud of the inspiration behind the collaboration. We were honored to help interpret the store\u2019s bright future, creating a visual language that reflects optimism for the next 50 years while honoring the 50 that came before. Stout and LoveFrom worked closely together at every stage, and both teams are proud of the result\u2014a design that, through true collaboration, captures the heart of the store\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n

Further, at LoveFrom, we take pride in helping our neighbors. Stout is not just a Jackson Square neighbor, but a wellspring of creative inspiration for us as designers and for other passionate people around the world. We were deeply proud of our work on this project, as the dedication and joy woven into the final result not only embody the spirit of Stout but also reflect the core principles that guide our studio.<\/p>\n