- Independent design writer and critic. His critical writings have featured regularly in major Dutch art and design journals and in a range of international design publications. Before he took over from founding editor Rick Poynor at Eye magazine (1997-1999), Bruinsma was editor of the Dutch design magazine Items, published several books on (graphic and new media) design in the Netherlands, and taught at the Rietveld Academy and the Sandberg Institute in Amsterdam.
Stories
The Long March
Essays by Max BruinsmaThe optimistic theory is put forth that institutions of power have been democratized by the “empowering effects of the media” and that real change can be effected by graphic designers who use their work to engage the public in meaningful dialogue.Reduce to the max
Essays by Max BruinsmaA reduced and expanded exploration of Swiss design and culture across the 20th century.Mars calling Earth
Essays by Max BruinsmaA refreshingly positive response to (and call for?) more, and more thoughtful culture and design publications in a time when the phrase “who needs another design mag?” is common. Max Bruinsma also briefly details the evolution of Dutch and other non-mainstream/design publications.Words On Screens
Essays by Max BruinsmaMax Bruinsma (who declares he has no printer, just a Zip drive) calls for greater attention to be paid to type on screen, is echoed by Matthew Carter, with a brief discussion of screen text technology and its place in reading today (or then).Official Anarchy: Dutch Graphic Design
Essays by Max BruinsmaA mid-90s appraisal of Dutch graphic design’s unique qualities, with an overview of various studios, designers and significant movements from the 20th century.