Source for Trends and Reference Since 1984
Founded in 1984 in the historic seaside town of Rockport MA, over the past 40 years Rockport Publishers has established itself as a respected source for the latest in design industry trends and award-winning graphic art reference. Titles like Universal Principles of Design, Color Harmony, and Making and Breaking the Grid have inspired generations of artists and designers. More recently, Rockport launched the For Artists series, which focuses on how to build classical drawing and painting skills to create realistic art. In 2022, they launched a series of manga-style graphic novels and art instruction for young adults in partnership with Saturday AM, a team of globally diverse creators. Rockport became a part of the Quatro Group in 1990, which publishes a wide variety of books and intellectual property products and employs roughly 300 talented people in the US and the UK.
“Rockport is known and respected worldwide for titles that inspire and educate designers and I feel it truly embodies the nexus of art, design and creativity,” says Group Publisher Anne Landa. “We celebrate voices, and our titles provide a dynamic environment for growth and learning, fostering creativity, and cultivating community with creators, educators, industry professionals and enthusiasts who share a passion for design and visual culture.” Design legend and Rockport author David Airey (Identity Designed and Identity Designed: The Process) agrees: “It’s been more than two decades since I first added one of Rockport’s design books to my library. Back then I had no idea the renowned publisher would partner with me to create two of my own titles, going above and beyond with their professionalism and print quality.” And adds William Lidwell: “It has been more than 20 years since our initial project — three editions of the full-size Universal Principles of Design — and not a week goes by where I don’t reflect on how grateful I am to have partnered with such great people who hold design and craftsmanship to the same high standards that I do.”
Now in 2024, its 40th anniversary year, Rockport looks forward to celebrating their heritage while publishing new titles that look to its future, including Creative Endurance by Fast Company Creative Director Mike Schnaidt, The Complete Color Harmony: Deluxe Edition, the first book Rockport ever published now featuring new additions, including a pull-out poster, and Make Art or Die Trying by world-renowned contemporary artist, curator and activist Stuart Semple. (An interior spread from Semple’s book appears below.)
Publisher Landa concludes, “I am incredibly grateful for the heritage that Rockport provides and the opportunity to grow further in our journey to share our valuable resources, tools and insights and to resonating with audiences across the globe.”
